Keypoints:
- Elon Musk responds ‘Hmm’ to Lewis Hamilton’s Africa comments
- Hamilton urges African nations to reclaim resources from former colonial powers
- Ferrari driver renews push for Formula One race on the continent
TECHNOLOGY billionaire Elon Musk has triggered widespread online discussion after responding with a single word to Lewis Hamilton’s call for African nations to reclaim control of their resources from former colonial powers.
The South African-born entrepreneur replied simply ‘Hmm’ on the social media platform X after a post circulated highlighting Hamilton’s remarks ahead of this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Though brief, the response quickly gained attention across social media, partly because of Musk’s own African origins and the broader debate surrounding Africa’s economic sovereignty.
Hamilton had earlier delivered an impassioned message about the continent’s future, arguing that Africa’s vast natural wealth should benefit its people more directly.
Hamilton calls for African unity
Speaking to reporters in Melbourne as he prepares for his twentieth consecutive Formula One season, Hamilton described Africa as one of the world’s most remarkable regions but said its resources have historically been exploited by outside powers.
‘I think it is the most beautiful part of the world,’ the Ferrari driver said. ‘But I don’t like that the rest of the world owns so much of it and takes so much from it and no one speaks about it.’
The seven-time world champion went further, urging African nations to act collectively in asserting greater control over their economic future.
‘Take it back from the French, take it back from the Spanish, take it back from the Portuguese and the British,’ Hamilton said. ‘It’s so important for the future of that continent.’
Hamilton also suggested that Africa’s immense reserves of minerals and natural resources could make it one of the most powerful regions globally if managed independently.
‘It could be the greatest and most powerful place in the world,’ he added. ‘That’s probably why they are being controlled the way they are.’
Musk’s background adds context
Musk’s understated reaction drew particular attention because of his personal background.
The entrepreneur was born in Pretoria, South Africa, before leaving the country as a teenager. He later moved to Canada and eventually the United States, where he built some of the world’s most influential technology companies.
Today, Musk leads Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer, SpaceX, the private aerospace company, and X, the social media platform where his response to Hamilton was posted.
Forbes estimates his fortune at around $852bn as of early 2026, making him one of the wealthiest individuals globally.
While Musk frequently comments on political and economic issues online, he has rarely engaged publicly in debates about Africa’s post-colonial economic dynamics. His brief reply therefore added an intriguing dimension to the conversation sparked by Hamilton’s comments.
Hamilton highlights his African roots
Hamilton’s remarks were also shaped by his personal connection to the continent. The British driver has previously spoken about his ancestral links to West Africa.
‘I’ve got roots from a few different places there, like Togo and Benin,’ he said. ‘I’m really proud of that part of the world.’
Over recent years, Hamilton has spent several of his summer breaks travelling across Africa. His journeys have taken him to countries including Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal and Nigeria.
Those experiences, he says, have strengthened his desire to see the continent more prominently represented in global sport.
Push for Formula One return to Africa
A central part of Hamilton’s advocacy has been his campaign to bring a Formula One race back to Africa.
Currently, Africa remains the only inhabited continent without a race on the Formula One calendar. The last African grand prix took place in South Africa in 1993.
Hamilton has repeatedly urged Formula One leadership to address the gap and bring the sport to the continent.
‘I don’t want to leave the sport without having a grand prix there,’ he said.
Several proposals have emerged in recent years, including potential races in South Africa and Rwanda, though no official race has yet been confirmed.
Hamilton believes hosting a grand prix could highlight Africa’s economic and cultural dynamism while creating new opportunities for motorsport development across the region.
Wider conversation on Africa’s economic future
Hamilton’s comments arrive at a time when several African governments are pursuing policies aimed at increasing local ownership of natural resources.
From mining reforms to renegotiated contracts and regional trade agreements, policymakers across the continent have increasingly emphasised economic sovereignty.
Supporters argue that these efforts are necessary to ensure African countries benefit more directly from their own resource wealth. Critics say structural challenges and governance issues remain significant obstacles.
Hamilton did not outline specific policy solutions but emphasised the importance of public awareness.
‘I just want people to pay attention,’ he said.
For now, Musk has not expanded on his one-word response, leaving the meaning behind his cryptic ‘Hmm’ open to interpretation as debate continues online.
