Kenyan content creator Elsa Majimbo’s recent video, stating her decision not to provide financial aid to her extended family, has created a lot of buzz on social media. In the video, posted on TikTok and shared widely on X, Elsa said, “Sending money back home to your extended family is such a common African practice that I absolutely hate.”
She became more specific as she called out an extended family member who had moved from asking her father for financial help to asking her directly.
“You’ve been asking my dad for money way before I was born. I was born, I was raised, I grew up, and now you are asking me for money. I’m not feeding your habit. Clearly, you are too lazy to be alive; I’ll let you starve.”
The video generated varied views from users from across the continent, with some supporting her stance. In contrast, others criticised her actions sharply, saying she was speaking from a position of privilege.
The Elsa situation resurrects the black tax debate, a recurring conversation in the African community about how much responsibility people, including Africans in the diaspora, should have towards their families and when “generosity” becomes a “duty”. With varying opinions on where to draw the line, the issue of black tax has remained unsolvable.
What really is “black tax”?
If you don’t already know what black tax is, let me break it down for you. Black tax refers to the financial support African professionals and higher-income individuals provide to their parents, siblings, and other family members, which stems from a deep-seated sense of responsibility towards familial obligations.
Many people often relocate to new countries with dreams of making it big and wanting to uplift their families. However, these aspirations often come with the expectation of financial assistance from relatives back home. This creates a significant burden on the immigrants, who feel compelled to support their families despite the challenges they face in their new environments.
In Nigeria, black tax reflects the socio-economic realities and cultural values of the society. Young adults with a higher earning power in middle to lower-income families are expected to contribute financially to their families’ upkeep, including paying bills, providing for basic needs, assisting with educational expenses, and even supporting the business of their relatives.
Young people are often expected to prioritise supporting their families over pursuing their educational and career goals, thereby sacrificing their dreams for their family’s more significant goals. This burden, experts have noted, may extend beyond immediate family members to include relatives such as aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Women share their experiences of black tax
To fully understand the crushing weight of the black tax, here are the personal stories of women who experience black tax:
Opeyemi
I’m going through a lot. I live in the United Kingdom (UK) and work multiple jobs. My income is barely enough to keep me off the streets. I’m in debt and have to pay back loans, but I still have to cater to my family back home.
Sarah
I work as a lawyer in the UK and personally send over $16,000 to my immediate family every year. It is a lot of money. It could be used for savings towards a deposit for a home, saving to invest in an index fund, or reinvesting in my business. And this same amount of money back home could have been used to buy me land that could have been part of my investment. But family comes first, right?
Victoria
I live and work in Nigeria. I see black tax as a way to improve the lives of my loved ones and also express gratitude. This is why I work four jobs even though no one expressly bills me. I’d be lying if I said this doesn’t cause financial distress, though. For instance, there was a time when I used to give 100% of my income to my family. As a result, I couldn’t build wealth.
Chioma
As the firstborn in a typical Nigerian family, it’s like I have a signboard on my forehead that says, “Richest woman in town!” Ever since I got my first job as a data analyst, I’ve been helping with school fees, clothes, food, and more. Every day, it’s either someone who is sick or someone who needs money for school. Whatever it is, the first instinct is to call “Aunty Chi.” Don’t get me wrong; I love my people, but sometimes, I wish I could just save up for myself, you know? The black tax has put my plans to further my education and start a business on hold.
How does black tax affect women?
These experiences reflect those of many women who have had to bear burdens and forgo their own dreams and happiness for the comfort of their families. Failure to meet these expectations may lead to social stigma or strained relationships within the family and community.
In an interview, family life expert, and women’s rights activist, Mrs. Funmi Goke, shares that “Nigerian culture places a strong emphasis on family and communal ties, with the expectation that individuals will support their relatives in times of need.”
She also sheds light on the emotional toll the black tax takes on people. “Alongside the financial obligations, individuals may also experience emotional pressure to fulfil their familial duties. They may feel a sense of guilt or obligation to support their family members, even at the expense of their well-being and aspirations,” Mrs Goke stated.
Black tax can also contribute to women having less financial power within a marriage. With the thriving female empowerment movement, it has become more important for women to have their finances before and during marriage. However, this becomes unattainable for women experiencing black tax, as they have little to nothing left after fulfilling their “obligations” to their families. This, in turn, makes them financially dependent on their partners, which could become a reason to stay in unhealthy situations.
Is breaking the cycle possible?
Yes. As demonstrated by Elsa, women can break the cycle of black tax and choose the stance to build wealth for themselves. Women can rid themselves of this generational burden that threatens their physical, financial, emotional, and mental well-being.
However, it is not without backlash and possible stigma from relatives. The culture of black tax is deeply rooted, and so deviating from the norm will be met with resistance, but we get to make the ultimate choice for ourselves.
Indeed, it’s vital to distinguish between lending a helping hand and safeguarding your financial health. While aiding family and friends is commendable, setting boundaries is key to preserving your financial stability and avoiding resentment. Striking a balance between generosity and self-care is essential for your well-being.
