Interestingly the Romans used to think similarly about the Germanics/barbarians, a people who couldn't read or write running around half naked through the woods in animal hides. But the only reason Romans were so ahead is because they had contact with the advanced Greeks who in turn learnt from the Egyptians.
Yes, the Romans were willing to learn from and incorporate ideas and systems from other civilisations and had no problems in admitting it. They especially tried to copy and learn from the Greek city states.
In a way, the same as how the Japanese originally copied the West and then developed their own unique version of a modern state. Same with even Thailand and South Korea to a degree, they copied and adapted aspects from the West, but still have a unique identity.
However, many African states don't seem to want to learn from successful countries and instead demonise them. And if they do try to copy other countries it's failed states like Cuba, former East Germany and Venezuela. Or or happy to live the same way as people 20 000 years ago.
The Romans used to call barbarians 'animal skin wearers', so I guess some things haven't changed.