Occasional Paper

The development of Africa and the role of outside powers

“If today we focus our attention on our continent and its relations with foreign powers we must ask ourselves several questions – questions which demand our serious attention. Colonial powers launched African independence in the early sixties with great promise. The world had
great expectations for the awakening giant.
The world foresaw that the resources of the continent together with the vigour and the enthusiasm of its peoples would introduce a new force to the world.In the 20 years of Africa’s independence, this promise remains to be fulfilled. The first flush of independence gone, the harsh realities
of technological and economic competition appear, the tussle with the complexity of diverse cultures commences, Africa has been freed from colonial rule but not from exploitation, want and poverty. “