Mbenzi, czyli bogacz z mercedesem. Wpływ motoryzacji na przemiany społeczno-kulturowe Afryki

Abstract

The article aims to present selected aspects of the transformation of the automotive market in Africa, especially in the sub-Saharan part of the continent. In the introduction, the sui generis fetishization of the concept of technicization is described. Then, the impact of the automotive revolution on the lifestyle of African people during the period of decolonization is discussed, as well as the impact of related phenomena on the sphere of cultural and political practices. Next, the negative – in ecological and civilizational terms – effects of the development of the automotive industry and the widespread practice of importing used cars from the global North to Africa are presented. Finally, the evolution of the system of production and sale of cars on the continent in the 21st century is outlined – on the one hand, it reproduces the logic of the colonial trade, while on the other hand, it provides an opportunity for GDP growth, unemployment reduction, and socio-economic advancement of millions of Africans.