Colonialism in Africa and Matters Arising - Modern Interpretations, Implications and the Challenge for Socio-Political and Economic Development in Africa

Abstract

In recent years, many socio-political and economic thinkers seem to blame colonialism as the major reason for Africa’s backwardness in all spheres of her life. But against this backdrop, this paper attempts to suggest that there can be no valid or justifiable excuse of colonialism for Africa’s underdevelopment, howsoever. This position is incontrovertibly strengthened by the fact that if other countries in different continents of the world who equally experienced colonialism could rise and become strategically important in the comity of nations, then it is time for Africa to look inward and rise from where she is by giving modern interpretations and implications to her experience of colonialism.

Keywords: Colonialism, Neo-colonialism, Decolonialism, African Political Development, African Values and Cultures.