Tribe vs. Competence: How Tribal Bias Steals Your Country’s Future

    Imagine needing urgent surgery and discovering your doctor was chosen because of their tribe, not their skill. Shocking, right? Yet, in many countries, leaders are selected this way. Why risk your future on tribal or religious affiliations instead of competence and vision?

In many developing nations, leaders often prioritize loyalty to their tribe or religion over qualifications, sidelining capable candidates. This isn’t just unfair—it’s a recipe for stagnation. Tribalism fuels corruption, inefficiency, and missed opportunities, but it’s not the only culprit. Weak institutions and economic pressures also play a role. The real issue? Both leaders and citizens perpetuate this cycle. Leaders favor their own groups to secure power, while voters often prioritize tribal identity over a candidate’s track record.

The result: everyone suffers. Corruption persists, economies fail, and talented individuals are overlooked. Would you board a plane with a pilot based on their tribe or qualifications? Then why choose leaders this way?

In Lagos, David sat nervously outside a government office. A top economics graduate with bold ideas to boost Nigeria’s economy, he hoped for a chance to serve. But inside, the conversation wasn’t about skills. “Our tribe must hold this post,” one official insisted. Another countered, “No, it’s our turn now, you people have ruled long enough!”

David's heart sank. His qualifications were irrelevant. He thought of his father, a brilliant engineer who faced the same barriers and died disillusioned. That night, Chuka wondered if his education was wasted in a system that valued tribe over talent. How many others like him were stuck, their potential ignored?

Tribal favoritism, often rooted in colonial strategies that put groups against each other, persists in countries like Nigeria and Lebanon. A 2021 Transparency International report ranked Nigeria 149th out of 180 countries for corruption, with tribal affiliations often cited as a driver of mismanagement. In Lebanon, sectarian power-sharing has paralyzed governance, contributing to the 2020 economic collapse that shrank GDP by over 20%. 

Why does this persist? Fear and scarcity. Leaders cling to power by rewarding loyalists, while communities, wary of exclusion, rally behind “their” candidates. But tribalism isn’t the sole issue—weak legal systems, global economic inequities, and voter apathy also entrench poor leadership. 

Who benefits? A small elite, who hoard wealth and influence. The rest face unemployment, crumbling infrastructure, and lost potential. In Nigeria, over 40% of youth are unemployed (World Bank, 2023), many discouraged by systems that reward connections over merit. Talented individuals often emigrate, draining countries of their best minds. Citizens share responsibility, too. Voting based on tribal loyalty ignores corruption or incompetence, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and division. Breaking this requires rethinking how we value leadership.

       Choosing leaders should be like choosing a surgeon: prioritize skill, vision, and results. Tribalism divides; competence unites. Demand leaders who deliver for all, not just their own. A new mindset—“merit over tribe”—can unlock prosperity and fairness for everyone.

HOW TO CHALLENGE TRIBAL BIASES AS A NATION:

1. Engage in Dialogue: Discuss merit-based leadership in your community and on platforms like X. Share stories of capable leaders succeeding regardless of tribe.

2. Advocate for Transparency: Support policies requiring clear, merit-based criteria for leadership roles, like public vetting of candidates’ qualifications.

3. Challenge Bias: Call out tribalism when you see it, whether in conversations or politics, and redirect focus to shared national goals.

TAKE ACTION 

Reflect: Have I ever chosen Tribe or religion over competence? 

Journal: “Recall a time tribal bias shaped a decision. What was the outcome?”

HOW TO THRIVE DESPITE TRIBAL BIASES:

1. Build In-Demand Skills: Master skills like tech, finance, or healthcare, which transcend tribal barriers. Competence opens doors.

2. Focus on Financial freedom: Learn budgeting and investing to gain independence. Money speaks louder than tribal bias.

3. Expand Your Network: Connect with diverse groups to access opportunities beyond tribal lines.

Remember: They may discriminate against tribe, but they rarely discriminate against wealth. They can't block your value.

What other outdated practices hold us back? Next, we’ll explore traditions and mindsets in African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya that shape wealth and opportunity.(Be the first to know when it drops!) 

 For now, remember: choosing tribe over talent is choosing stagnation over progress.

We'd love to know your thoughts in the comments. Follow us on social media for amazing updates, finance tips, quotes and more! See you soon 🥰