God, Gold and Governance: Understanding Africa’s Markets and Political Uncertainty Biblically 

By Emmanuel Mihiingo Kaija

I believe it will be honest and more accurate of me to write that Africa – my motherland- stands today at a crossroads where the swirling winds of economic instability and political upheaval relentlessly buffet the hopes, dreams, and daily realities of millions. Across the continent—from the vibrant, chaotic informal markets of Lagos and Nairobi to the rising formal stock exchanges in Johannesburg and Cairo—the fates of individuals and nations are inextricably intertwined with the volatile intersection of markets and governance. Inflation rates skyrocket unpredictably, currencies fluctuate wildly, and political tensions too often erupt into crises, coups, or prolonged unrest, shaking the very foundations of societies and undermining prospects for sustainable development. In the midst of this storm, the question arises: How should believers—rooted in the enduring truths of Scripture—interpret and respond to such economic and political volatility? The biblical narrative, far from offering a simplistic, technical blueprint for economic or political management, nevertheless provides profound and timeless wisdom rooted in the core principles of divine justice (mishpat), righteousness (tsedaqah), and faithful stewardship. These principles call the Church not to despair or disengagement but to a posture of prophetic engagement, resilient hope, and practical action. The prophet Isaiah’s piercing lament still rings true across Africa: “Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees… who rob the needy of justice” (Isaiah 10:1-2). This divine critique exposes the heart of many contemporary African realities where markets and political structures too often reflect patterns of injustice, greed, and oppression. Echoing this moral heartbeat in local wisdom, the Luganda proverb wisely declares, “Obuyinza bw’obwa nnyini, si bw’obusolooza”—“Authority is not for self-enrichment but for service and responsibility.” Such an ethic, deeply biblical and culturally resonant, must animate the life of Africa’s markets and governance if true transformation is to occur.

To understand the complexities of today’s African economic and political challenges, one must first appreciate the continent’s rich historical tapestry. Historically, African markets were never merely transactional spaces; they functioned as vibrant communal centers where social bonds, cultural identity, and economic exchange merged in dynamic interplay. Precolonial market towns and trading centers were scenes not only of commerce but also of festivity, negotiation, and relational commerce grounded in shared values, mutual trust, and reciprocal obligations. This form of economic life was deeply embedded in social and spiritual frameworks, where the market was as much a site of community formation as of wealth creation. However, the intrusion of colonial capitalism violently disrupted these indigenous rhythms and economies. Colonial administrators imposed cash-crop economies, introduced monetary systems alien to indigenous understandings of wealth and community, and restructured economic relations to serve external interests. Frantz Fanon insightfully observed that colonial capitalism “wrote capitalism into the bones of African society,” embedding a system that marginalized African agency and sovereignty even as it displaced indigenous economic practices. The post-independence African state inherited these distorted economic legacies—structures skewed towards extraction, inequality, and external dependency. The renowned economist Dambisa Moyo, in her influential critique Dead Aid, argues that decades of foreign aid have paradoxically entrenched corruption and economic stagnation in many African nations, further complicating the path to self-sustained prosperity. Against this fraught backdrop, the biblical vision of economic justice offers a radical alternative. Scripture declares that “there shall be no poor among you” (Deuteronomy 15:4), and that “a false balance is an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 11:1), insisting on honesty, fairness, and equity in economic relations. Moreover, the early Church’s communal sharing, described in Acts 2:44-45 where believers “had all things in common,” stands as a powerful testimony and corrective to systems that commodify human beings and perpetuate injustice and inequality.

The lived realities of many African workers today reflect a sharp dissonance from biblical ideals. The Swahili proverb, “Mchumia juani hulia kivulini”—“He who works in the sun eats in the shade”—beautifully echoes the biblical principle of just reward for labor found in Ecclesiastes 3:13. Yet, countless African workers toil under harsh conditions, often reaping only meager rewards due to economic uncertainty exacerbated by political instability. Coups in West Africa, electoral violence in East Africa, and opaque governance in Central Africa all contribute to an environment where fear, mistrust, and despair flourish. The African Development Bank estimates that corruption drains approximately $148 billion annually from African economies, a staggering loss that erodes development efforts and deepens cycles of poverty. This systemic corruption and instability also deter both domestic and foreign investment, further undermining the capacity of markets to generate sustainable growth and development. From a biblical standpoint, leaders carry a sacred trust to “do justice and defend the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17), and to “rule righteously” (Proverbs 29:4). However, when rulers prioritize personal enrichment, as the prophet Micah denounces—“Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price” (Micah 3:11)—the very economic and social fabric of nations unravels. Compounding these challenges is the troubling rise of prosperity gospel teachings in some African churches, which often promise divine blessing in the form of material wealth while neglecting the systemic injustices embedded in society. This conflation of godliness with material gain distorts the biblical message and complicates the Church’s faithful witness. Jesus’ clear teaching still stands as a sobering corrective: “You cannot serve both God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).

A sound theological response to Africa’s intertwined economic and political crises begins with the doctrine of Imago Dei—the profound conviction that every person bears the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This foundational truth demands that markets and governance structures become arenas of dignity, justice, and flourishing, not exploitation or marginalization. The biblical institution of Jubilee, celebrated every fiftieth year (Leviticus 25), envisioned a society where economic resets restored land to original owners, canceled debts, and prevented the perpetuation of generational poverty and social stratification. This divine design offers a powerful corrective to contemporary African realities marked by land disputes, rising inequality, and crippling debt burdens. Theologians such as Allan Boesak have powerfully called for a gospel that “speaks to the economic realities of our time,” emphasizing that salvation must include liberation from structural sin and oppression, not merely personal piety. This theological imperative aligns with African wisdom traditions, such as the Yoruba proverb, “Bi a bá fi owo otun ba omo wi, a ó fi t’osi fàa mọ́ra” — “When we correct with the right hand, we must draw in with the left,” a vivid reminder of the biblical balance between justice and mercy essential for theological reflection and practical economic policy.

Africa’s youth demographic represents both a critical challenge and a momentous opportunity. Over 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25, with youth unemployment rates surpassing 13% overall—and significantly higher in urban centers, according to the International Labour Organization’s 2023 report. These statistics reflect shattered aspirations and fuel vulnerabilities to political manipulation, radicalization, and social unrest. The Church cannot afford to remain a passive observer in this crisis. Proverbs 31:8 commands believers to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” This prophetic mandate requires that faith be incarnated in practical economic justice efforts, including land reform advocacy and the promotion of ethical entrepreneurship. To fulfill this mandate, pastoral training must be expanded to include economic literacy, public policy engagement, and community development strategies. Faith communities should actively develop and support programs such as microfinance groups, cooperative savings schemes, mentorship networks, and skills training—each rooted in biblical ethics and aimed at empowering youth to become transformative agents rather than victims of circumstance.

While the Church and civil society have pioneered many such initiatives, including grassroots community savings groups and faith-based advocacy networks, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations and challenges these efforts face. Many of these programs have achieved notable successes by echoing the communal ethos of Acts 4:32-35, yet they often struggle against systemic corruption, political resistance, and socio-cultural barriers that limit their scalability and long-term sustainability. Theologian Musa Dube rightly warns that without addressing underlying structural injustices, acts of charity risk becoming mere bandages on deeper wounds. Communities often witness savings groups flourish temporarily, only to see poverty cycles persist. Advocacy for transparency and justice frequently meets entrenched political opposition that resists meaningful reform. Thus, acknowledging these realities is essential for moving beyond mere goodwill to transformative action.

To overcome these systemic obstacles and catalyze lasting change, the Church and its partners must embrace innovative and integrative strategies that build on existing successes while expanding impact through new pathways. First, the rapid growth of digital technology and financial technology (fintech) platforms across Africa presents an unprecedented opportunity to democratize access to biblical economic tools. Mobile banking and digital financial services can bring banking, credit, and investment opportunities to marginalized and rural populations, amplifying Proverbs 31:9’s call to “speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Second, forming broad-based interfaith and ecumenical coalitions can strengthen the social and political pressure necessary for justice and governance reform. Such alliances embody Psalm 133:1’s vision of unity and solidarity in pursuing righteousness across religious and ethnic lines. Third, youth-led entrepreneurial hubs that integrate faith formation, business training, and civic engagement offer a powerful model to nurture the next generation of economic and political leaders, embodying the spirit of Joel 2:28’s prophetic vision of young people empowered by the Spirit. Fourth, the Church must intensify advocacy for policy reform that institutionalizes biblical principles of justice, transparency, and equity, moving beyond grassroots activism to systemic change as mandated in Jeremiah 22:3. Fifth, confronting internal distortions such as the prosperity gospel is crucial to maintaining the Church’s credibility. Robust theological teaching on stewardship, sufficiency, and the dangers of materialism (1 Timothy 6:6-10) must become central to discipleship and pastoral leadership development.

Sustaining such transformative efforts requires long-term, multi-level engagement that integrates spiritual formation, economic education, and political activism within congregations, fostering holistic discipleship that prepares believers to live faithfully in every sphere. Partnerships between churches, non-governmental organizations, governments, and academic institutions can enhance resource sharing, expertise, and influence to tackle the complex challenges facing African economies and governance. Furthermore, developing rigorous metrics and research frameworks is essential to monitor impact, identify gaps, and refine strategies over time, reflecting Proverbs 27:23’s exhortation to “be sure you know the condition of your flocks.” Such accountability ensures that noble intentions translate into tangible, measurable progress.

Ultimately, the Church’s prophetic mission in Africa transcends repetition of known solutions. It calls for innovation, perseverance, and deep reliance on God’s transformative Spirit. Jesus’ inaugural proclamation remains the clarion call: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to proclaim good news to the poor… to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18). Empowered by this Spirit, African Christians are called to embody justice, peace (shalom), and flourishing amid economic storms and political uncertainty. This prophetic witness demands exposing the idolatry of greed, confronting corrupt powers, and cultivating communities marked by Jubilee and grace. God reigns sovereign over “gold and government alike” (Haggai 2:8), and while earthly kingdoms rise and fall (Daniel 2:21), believers are citizens of a higher kingdom (John 18:36), called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). It is within this sacred vocation that the African Church must boldly lead in prophetic economics and faithful governance, offering hope and transformation to a continent yearning for justice and peace.

Emkaijawrites@gmail.com