From Global Labour Shortage to Slavery: Africa’s Warning

From Global Labour Shortage to Slavery: Africa’s Warning
By Yemi Adesina

What happens when a world desperate for workers turns its gaze toward Africa? In this powerful and urgent book, African historian Yemi Adesina exposes the hidden risks behind today’s global labour crisis. Could the continent that once endured transatlantic slavery face new forms of exploitation in the 21st century?

Drawing on history, statistics, and current global trends, Adesina shows how Africa’s young population — its greatest strength — is also its greatest vulnerability. From the scramble for health workers and care staff to the migration of engineers, miners, and farm labourers, Western nations are already positioning Africa as the answer to their workforce shortages.

But history offers a warning. The same patterns of dependency, cheap labour, and resource extraction that fueled colonialism could return in new and subtle forms. Without vigilance, “opportunity” could become exploitation, and “partnership” could slide into bondage.

This book is not just a critique — it is a call to action. African governments, communities, and families must act now to protect their people, harness their skills at home, and demand fair global partnerships.

Timely, thought-provoking, and uncompromising, From Global Labour Shortage to Slavery: Africa’s Warning is both a wake-up call and a roadmap for survival in a shifting global order.