Why do Germans not rule over Africa?

"I admire Germans for their Wirtschaftswunder. They rose from the ashes of WWII to their position of the richest country in Europe and number five in just fifteen years. Of course, for what they did during the Third Reich I condemn them," said my host on her veranda near Caesarea in Israel in the summer of 1981.

Germany was the last European country to take the leftover African countries under its control. German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck yet was the mastermind behind setting clear lines between the countries under European control and establishing rules for ruling the African continent.

Germany received its punishment for starting WWI (1914-18) and endured the deep depression of 1929 before starting WWII (1939-45). From 1945 until 1990 West Germany was under the control of the three Allies USA, GB, and France. At the border between capitalism and socialism, foreign armed forces were stationed in Germany and orders were given. This situation that foreign nations have a direct and indirect influence on sovereign nations finds it parallel in contemporary Africa where old and new colonial masters play out their games.

Germany had and has no significant natural resources only coal for steel production and heating. It entirely for its world position depends on exports and the mindset of the Germans, their creativity and character. The first half of the last century for Germans was very costly as regards to finances and politics. Germans paid for preparation for both wars and paid back the Marshall Plan ERF loans as requested by the Americans (this helped the war economy of the USA to be stabilized and avoid unemployment in the face of human sacrifice.).

For fifteen hard years, Germans pulled up their sleeves. In the ruins of Germany with houses and factories destroyed did Germans believe that they could build a better Germany. Unlike e.g. Ghanaians who enjoy public holidays a lot and disregard time, discipline, cooperation, and sacrifices as essential for a prosperous economy they worked tirelessly to bring home food to the table and build a house with a roof over their heads. A selfless intellectual elite with no corrupt mind from many walks of life under the leadership of the 75-year-old first German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer set the foundation for Germans to progress in the shortest possible time. While GB and France as Allies still had the upper hand over Germany stuck with the old German factories and trains as reparation goods Germany established a brand new industry and in the political framework set fought successfully for its place in Europe and the world.

When analyzing the German recent past and comparing it with the recent and current situation in Africa lessons can be learned and conclusions are drawn. When the Africans had learned or are willing to learn the principles of nations' success they would by far sit on top of the world. Africa's failure depends not only on outsiders but very much on the mindset of the Africans themselves. What Germany had achieved Africa can achieve a hundredfold. The rules under which Germans play are what Africans reject.