African American In Africa: My Move To Côte d’Ivoire

RAEL’S COMMENT:

Wonderful! It’s just the beginning! Millions should do it! Then White Americans will desperately try to get a visa for African countries in order to get jobs and food…

Meet Assanouan G’bado (formerly Kelvin Green), an African American who moved from America to Côte d’Ivoire less than a year ago! He’s sharing with us why he relocated, his business model for Côte d’Ivoire, and how he’s adjusted Ivorian life so far.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LEAVE THE U.S.?
As far as I can remember, I’ve always been curious about Africa. In fact, when I was stationed in Germany, I passed on an opportunity to visit the continent. Thirty eight years later, in 2015, I wasn’t going to miss another opportunity to visit Africa.

I volunteer for a non-profit organization called Back To Kama. Briefly, we share positive information and opportunities online for people of African descent to consider relocating their business to Africa. It’s with Back To Kama that I began to re-educate myself about our history. So when the chance came up to visit Africa, I did everything I could to be able to go. Thanks to a few credit cards, I was able to make the trip.

I had the pleasure of visiting Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. Africa felt more like home to me than the U.S. I knew that one day I would return for good.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO MOVE TO CÔTE D’IVOIRE SPECIFICALLY?
It’s here in Côte d’Ivoire where my Ebrié family welcomed me as family and re-named me. They are an Akan people who I initially met on my first visit to Côte d’Ivoire in 2015. I actually recorded my first experiences meeting them on video.

I am so impressed by how much of their ÉBrié (Tchaman) language and culture has been preserved after colonialism. And, through my connection with them, I have a wonderful opportunity to learn a second language. I also share the beauty of Côte d’Ivoire on social media. Finally, by living here there’s also an opportunity for me to help the less fortunate, as there people without homes and living in “shanty” areas.

https://www.aainafrica.com/blog/2018/6/25/assanouan-in-ivory-coast