WHEN Kenyan influencer Elsa Majimbo took to TikTok earlier this month, she ignited a fiery debate by addressing a topic many Africans are all too familiar with—sending money back home to support extended family. In her now-deleted video, the 23-year-old, who gained fame for her comedic content during the Covid-19 pandemic, openly criticised the practice, often referred to as ‘black tax.’
‘Black tax’ is the term used to describe the financial obligation that many Black Africans feel to support their less fortunate family members, whether they are living in Africa or abroad. This responsibility is deeply rooted in the African philosophy of ubuntu, which emphasises the importance of community and family over the individual. While some see it as a necessary communal duty, others, like Majimbo, argue that it can be an unwelcome burden.
Majimbo, now based in the United States, didn’t hold back in her video, expressing frustration at the expectation that she should support her extended family. She pointed out that her father had been supporting relatives for years and now they were turning to her for help. In a particularly heated moment, she lashed out at one unnamed relative, saying, ‘You’ve been asking my dad for money since before I was born. I was born, I was raised, I grew up, now you’re asking me for money—you lazy [expletive]. I’m not feeding your habits.’
While her rant resonated with some, it also drew backlash from others who saw her views as a rejection of the traditional values of ubuntu. The video was quickly removed from TikTok, and Majimbo’s management declined to comment. However, the controversy she sparked opened up a wider conversation about the pressures of ‘black tax.’
The concept of ‘black tax’ is not new, but it has taken on different dimensions in the modern era
For many Africans, particularly those living abroad, the expectation to send money home can be overwhelming. This is compounded by the belief that those living overseas are financially well-off, regardless of their actual circumstances. The strain of this obligation is something that many can relate to, even if they don’t openly discuss it.
Take, for example, a former teacher in Zimbabwe who shared her experience with the BBC. Now in her 50s, she recalled how almost her entire first paycheck 30 years ago went to support her nine siblings. ‘After I finished buying school uniforms, clothes, and groceries, I had $20 left,’ she said, describing the sense of both pride and frustration that came with this responsibility. Even after getting married, her financial obligations expanded to include her in-laws, leading her to take out a loan to pay for her brother-in-law’s tuition fees after being pickpocketed on her way to deposit a check.
Similarly, 28-year-old Ugandan hairstylist Sandra Ajalo expressed her gratitude for the help her family received from relatives when she was growing up. Raised by a single mother, Ajalo and her siblings benefited from the support of extended family members who helped pay for school fees, groceries, and medical expenses. Now that she is in a position to give back, she understands the importance of helping others, even if it can be frustrating at times. ‘It can be straining, it can be frustrating, but we need it. No man is an island. We have to help each other however we can,’ she told the BBC.
The concept of ‘black tax’ is not new, but it has taken on different dimensions in the modern era. Dr. Chipo Dendere, an assistant professor in Africana studies at Wellesley College in the US, explains that the roots of this practice can be traced back to colonialism. The system of oppression that concentrated resources in the hands of colonial powers left many Black families with little to no generational wealth. As a result, those who do achieve financial success often feel obligated to share their earnings with their extended family.
However, Dr. Dendere points out that this system can create a ‘never-ending cycle’ where the money sent home only temporarily alleviates financial pressures before another need arises. In many African countries, where social safety nets like healthcare and pensions are limited, it falls on the more financially secure family members to cover these costs.
‘There is no pension fund from the state—we are the pension. Families are stepping in to do the job of the government,’ Dr. Dendere told the BBC. ‘We give because of ubuntu. We are forced to take care of each other.’
The financial burden of ‘black tax’ is immense, particularly for those living abroad
The financial burden of ‘black tax’ is immense, particularly for those living abroad. In 2023, African migrants sent home approximately $95bn, according to the International Fund for Agricultural Development—an amount nearly equivalent to the size of Kenya’s entire economy. This expectation can be particularly tough for individuals trying to save for their own future.
Gabe Mutseyekwa, a 35-year-old Zimbabwean living in Germany, made the difficult decision to stop sending money home because it was preventing him from saving. His family initially reacted poorly, but they eventually understood his need to prioritise his own financial stability. ‘They realised that I was all alone and I needed to make something of myself,’ he said, recalling a time when he sent home about €2,000 for a family emergency despite being a student with part-time jobs.
The sense of entitlement that can accompany ‘black tax’ was a topic that former Nigerian footballer Mikel John Obi touched on last year during an appearance on former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand’s podcast. Obi expressed frustration that relatives expected him to take care of their growing families simply because he had achieved financial success.
While Majimbo’s comments may have sparked controversy, they have also resonated with a younger generation that is increasingly questioning the sustainability of ‘black tax.’ However, as Dr. Dendere points out, unless there are significant economic changes in Africa, this practice may be here to stay. ‘Black tax will be here in perpetuity,’ she told the BBC, underscoring the long-standing challenges that many African families face.
Ultimately, the debate around ‘black tax’ is a reflection of the tension between traditional communal values and the realities of modern life. Whether seen as a burden or a responsibility, it is a topic that continues to provoke strong emotions and differing opinions across the continent and beyond.
