Scholars from the Department of History and International Studies at Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) have called on African leaders to take responsibility for the continent's underdevelopment and stop blaming colonialism. They argue that decades after independence, Africa's continued dependence on former colonial powers and Western nations for economic assistance, political guidance, and development initiatives has exposed the failure of its leaders to take ownership of the continent's future.
The scholars made these remarks during a diplomatic discourse organized by the department on the theme, "Africa's Underdevelopment: Colonial Legacy or Self-Inflicted?" The event featured participants from Rivers State University and the University of Uyo. Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Amah Williams, noted that Africans have consistently attributed the continent's slow pace of development to the exploitative structures established during colonial rule.
However, Dr. Williams challenged participants to critically examine whether colonialism remained the principal obstacle to Africa's development or whether the continent's leadership failures had contributed significantly to its present challenges. Representatives of the University of Uyo argued that African leaders have failed to assume responsibility for the continent's development despite gaining political independence several decades ago.
The discussants identified Africa's consumption-driven economy as a major obstacle to development, arguing that the continent has continued to consume foreign products rather than build productive capacities capable of strengthening its economies. They noted that although colonialism introduced institutional structures that shaped Africa's political, economic, and social systems, the continued dependence on foreign commodities and imported goods reflected the failure of successive African administrations.
The participants further faulted African countries for their persistent reliance on international financial institutions, particularly the World Bank, for loans, instead of strengthening domestic production, expanding their economic bases, and growing their Gross Domestic Products. They called on African leaders to develop strong political and economic blueprints that would promote self-reliance, industrialization, and technological advancement while reducing dependence on external assistance.
The Convener of the discourse, Mr. Kenneth Okon Umoekpe, said the engagement was organized to stimulate critical thinking on the causes of Africa's persistent underdevelopment and encourage a new approach to the continent's development. Umoekpe maintained that Africa must move beyond the colonial experience and evolve home-grown development strategies capable of addressing its peculiar challenges without depending on former colonial powers.
Umoekpe emphasized that it is time for Africans to develop without considering their colonial masters, adding that the continent has reached a stage where its leaders and citizens must take responsibility for their collective future. The scholars' call for a new approach to Africa's development comes as the continent continues to grapple with the challenges of underdevelopment, including poverty, unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure.
Key points
- African leaders must take responsibility for the continent's underdevelopment and stop blaming colonialism.
- The continent's continued dependence on Western nations for economic assistance and development initiatives has exposed the failure of its leaders.
- Scholars advocate for home-grown development policies, industrialization, and technological advancement to promote self-reliance.
