Heritage and remnants related to migration, wine, language, and territory... ‘Close yet distant’ coexistence

When discussing Africa today, we often focus on its relationship with rapidly emerging East Asia, such as China and Korea. However, the deeper you look into African business and situations, the more you inevitably encounter a huge shadow and reality. These are traces of ‘Europe’ carved all over the continent.

After the division of the continent by Western powers at the end of the 19th century, African countries experienced harsh colonial rule by various suzerain countries such as Britain, France, Germany, Portugal, and Belgium, lasting from a few decades to over 100 years (average 70 to 100 years). Just as remnants of the Japanese colonial period still remain in the language, institutions, and culture of today's Korean society, Africa is also living within the historical remnants and legacies left behind by a century of Western domination.

The two continents, geographically bordering each other across the Mediterranean Sea, have shared centuries of history of conquest, colonial rule, migration, and trade. And those historical results are deeply embedded in today's African industrial structure, language, culture, and even territorial boundaries.

◇ ‘Faces of Europe’ in Africa and overseas territories

When visiting Africa, the traces of Europe that can be most easily and intuitively experienced in daily life are the food and beverage culture on the table. The history of South Africa's wineries, often classified as 'New World wines', dates back to the late 17th century. Along with the Dutch East India Company's migration, French Huguenots who migrated to the southern tip of Africa to escape religious oppression transplanted their grape growing and wine-making skills to the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek regions. As a result, today South Africa has established itself as a world-class producer of high-quality wine, creating a landscape reminiscent of a European country village in the middle of the African continent.

This food and beverage heritage is also clearly evident in Namibia, another neighboring country in southern Africa. Namibia, formerly under German colonial rule, still retains German-style architecture and culture. A representative example is ‘Windhoek’, Namibia’s national beer. Windhoek beer follows the tradition of Germany's 'Beer Purity Law' (Reinheitsgebot) established in 1516 and is brewed without adding any additives other than water, barley, and hops. It embodies the taste of authentic German beer in the heart of Africa, revealing its unique European heritage.

In Algeria and Tunisia, large-scale vineyards and a French-style wine culture were formed as French immigrants, 'Pieds-Noirs', settled in Algeria and Tunisia during French colonial rule. In particular, Algeria emerged as a major producing region supplying huge amounts of wine to mainland France in the late 19th century, when vineyards across Europe were devastated by infectious diseases. In Kenya, East Africa, the alpine tea culture and Western farm lifestyle naturally fused with the local culture due to the influence of British settlers.

This European heritage is also clearly visible in sports and leisure culture. A representative example is rugby, the sport that symbolizes South Africa. Rugby, which was introduced during British colonialism, was a symbol of white exclusive use during the apartheid era. However, in 1995, President Nelson Mandela elevated it to a tool of racial unity through the Rugby World Cup, establishing it as a representative identity of South Africa. The sports legacy left behind by Europe is in line with Africa's history of political and social reconciliation.

In addition, the hundreds of golf courses and clubhouse cultures built across the continent, including South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Morocco, are also a typical European heritage. These high-end leisure spaces, transplanted by the British and French upper classes, are today used as key social venues for local political and business elites in Africa to form business networks. The green lawn and Western-style clubhouse spread out in the middle of the site are a unique sight that makes you feel like 'Europe in Africa', and are an important business window for accessing the local elite society.

Even more interesting and complex are the African territories that are administratively entirely within 'Europe'. The islands of Reunion and Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean, are official overseas départements (overseas territories) of France. The Spanish autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, located on the coast of Morocco in North Africa, are also clear 'pieces of Europe' that exist on African soil.

In particular, Ceuta has recently emerged as an area of ​​geopolitical conflict due to its geographical location as the 'gateway to Europe'. There is a constant stream of people trying to escape economic difficulties and political instability and set foot on European soil. A large-scale refugee crisis continues to occur as thousands of Moroccan and West African migrants attempt to smuggle themselves into Ceuta by swimming the sea or crossing the border barrier.

◇ Language and institutions left behind by colonialism

Above all, the most powerful legacies of colonial suzerainty are ‘language’ and ‘institutions.’ The African continent is largely divided into Francophonie (French-speaking region), Anglophone (English-speaking region), and Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking region).

In many countries in West and Central Africa, French is still used as the official language, and the political, legal, and educational systems operate according to the French style. Even West Africa's CFA Franc currency system, linked to the Central Bank of France, has dominated finance in the region for decades. This homogeneity of language and administrative system has served as an overwhelming 'first mover premium' (or non-competitive advantage) that allows European companies to dominate the African market and maintain leadership.

◇ ‘Close yet distant’… Paradoxical relationship between Africa and Europe

So what do these numerous traces of Europe in Africa mean to us? That is, Africa and Europe have a ‘close and yet distant relationship of love and hate and paradox.’

First, geographical and cultural ‘proximity’. There is almost no time difference between Europe and Africa, and business connectivity is very high due to shared language and institutions. Most African elites go to Europe to study and share Europe's cultural consumption patterns. Additionally, from Europe's perspective, Africa is their front yard and the most familiar market. When I was working in Algeria, I remember a local person asking me if I spoke French, showing a subtle pride in the French culture that remains in their country.

Second, there is ‘psychological distance and opposition’ created by historical remnants. Despite geographical and institutional proximity, the remnants of colonial rule, wealth inequality, and migrant conflicts occurring in border areas such as Ceuta have left deep anti-European sentiment (especially anti-French sentiment) in Africa. The recent military coups in West Africa's Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as well as demands for the withdrawal of French troops, are taking on the character of a 'second independence movement' seeking to escape the influence of colonial suzerain countries. Although we are closely connected, the distance in our hearts is becoming greater than ever.

Third, it is a ‘space of new opportunities’ opened to emerging countries. African countries, tired of historical grievances and overdependence with Europe, now want a diversified partnership. This is why Africa approaches our country with a more open attitude, free from the colonial original sins of the past and struggles for political hegemony, and equipped with K-culture and cutting-edge technology. In fact, during the process of supporting projects in Algeria, I heard positive comments from local officials who said, “Koreans kindly and generously share their technology and know-how.” I could feel their high expectations and trust toward Korea.

◇ Business insight we must have

Korean companies and policymakers seeking to advance into Africa must be able to take advantage of the dual context of ‘Europe in Africa’. When entering West Africa, understanding French laws and business practices is fundamental. However, at the same time, we must not simply follow the one-sided Western approach centered on colonial suzerain countries.

As a country that has experienced colonial remnants and historical pain, we also have the strength to form a deep consensus on the historical context of Africa. We must actively utilize the linguistic and institutional infrastructure left behind by Europe, but avoid the high-handed attitude or resource-exploiting approach that they have committed. We must approach this as an ‘equal and respected win-win partnership.’

Africa is a continent deeply steeped in Europe's historical legacy, and at the same time, it is a dynamic stage that is pioneering its own identity and new future beyond that legacy. Who is the partner that Africa, which has had a 'close yet distant' love-hate relationship with Europe, truly needs now? If we make sincere efforts to become the true coexistence partners they desire, we will be able to move forward together with this huge continent toward a future of sustainable growth.