One aspect is surely connected to a colonial legacy, which also resulted among many a feeling of being minor, less advanced. Solutions are seen to become like the developed countries, technologically, what living standards are concerned and many more. It is, however, far too easy to blame colonialism on everything.

At times it is not realized that there are people in Africa who have achieved such high standards, maybe even at the expense of ordinary people. Even if colonialism has deformed social and political structures it seems that also internal structures show tendencies to disadvantage poor, minorities, etc. Here internal improvements are urgently required, but it is surely correct to ask, if such changes are unattainable.

I tend to agree on the influence of colonialism here. But there are other factors as well. Not being an expert, I can only sketch a few ideas.

One notion at work in the process identified is, I think, one of the supposed expertise of the developed countries. I know about the UK mainly on this. I have worked with quite a number of African civil servants here and in Ethiopia. The vast majority of these people were very intelligent, competent, and hard working. I taught them about how certain things are done in the UK. And sought to help them find ways of applying this to their own work. The aim being to improve their methods of work, and it's outcomes. Some of this was quite successful, some not.

The biggest problem was the short shef-life of British ideas! Every time there was a problem, ideas were adjusted, individually scrapped, or completely done away with and replaced! Some government ideas turned out to be plain wrong as time went by! That's not to say the entire process was pointless, it helped in lots of ways, I know. But a key lesson was that you're best to learn from others mistakes not their recommendations. However, possibly because of colonialism, there's been a tendency to do the opposite.

Christopher NOCK

Very interesting question.

First let me say, it's high time Africa became fully independent and really 'sovereign' despite the unfortunate and barbaric acts of colonialism and slavery.

The dependent syndrome that Africa has today resonates from the fact that the above issues happened and they to me are very effective weapons that capture the mentality if not, forever. This understanding is working (even today) in an advantage to some governments to keep the status quo for Africa for easy control (Manipulation). This is an investment they did years back and these are the fruits.

Ive heard comments from people on the continent of Africa saying of themselves, sometimes proudly, that "..this is Africa..." in some unfortunate events of disunity, corruption, dishonesty, etc, but, Africa is not naturally like this and this is just some 'individual characterization' of what their mentality tells them. Africa is better than what meets the eye, potent, rich and capable, but mindsets are "still" in chains, so many of them are, with a few, free.

Again, if Africa were to stop fending for individuals' selfishness right on the continent and start working for the 'nations', and generations in the 'nations' to come, she could be one of the most highly productive and self-sustaining. This is possible, without any acts of hatred from the past.

My two tambala thought there.

This is colonial hangover. Actually there is more for these countries to learn from their neighboring countries, & other developing countries.

Wonderful question. When I visited Kenya two years back to interact with social innovators, there was a feeling that the westerners force their ideas in Africa, which would in most of the cases tend to fail. While I understand that the resource scarcity in most of the African countries is one of the fundamental reasons for such outward looking, but again, the western countries must make sure that while they invest in improving the living conditions in Africa, they must leave the decisions for the local level players, largely comprise of local citizens in order to ensure local representation in their own development.

Well, I don't want to argue about the issues of colonial legacies because they are part of our history. But the fundamental is that African leaders are not mindful of their peculiar environment in taking some vital decisions that affect the populace. Most times, the major reason for the above is selfishness on the part of these leaders and their co-horts. Since most of their policies and Programmes are not in the interest of the populace, they most times fall out with their citizens when these policies failed and the next option is to look out to the developed nations for solution.

Most of the leaders in Africa lacked the political -will to make things work for their countries.

In fact, slavery, colonialism and other unfavourable historical variables contributed to Africa's underdevelopment, but most developed countries of the world had similar experiences, yet they were able to overcome it. How did they do it, is the question? Transformational leadership that focused on reforming the people and the processes at the national and regional levels is fundamental.Countries like the United States of America, United Kingdom, India among others were colonised and had dark history and see where they are today. Africa should learn from them.

I think that a part of the answer is the following:

A policeman sees a drunk man searching for something under a streetlight and asks what the drunk has lost. He says he lost his keys and they both look under the streetlight together. After a few minutes the policeman asks if he is sure he lost them here, and the drunk replies, no, and that he lost them in the park. The policeman asks why he is searching here, and the drunk replies, "this is where the light is" .

In other words developed countries developed a lot of different "solutions" to a lot of different problems. Therefore consultants and experts, but also politicians and bureaucrats, have a large number of available solutions to choose from even if they do not fit the problem

There's a lot of good views being expressed here now! It's all very interesting for me as an outsider, maybe even a sinner!!! I was a consultant, as I said in my previous answer. Was I selling 🐍 snake oil?? I think that would be a little harsh. Certainly, the company that sent me was a commercial outfit, but I'm sure they didn't overcharge. It's a very competitive business. Contracts result from hard negotiation, sometimes going right down to the wire. Consultants are well paid, but not excessively. The company stays out of course content details, although duration and general topics are agreed by them and the client. So the details are left to the consultant.

As in all business, the quality of the consultants may vary a little. But there's often comments from previous clients available to check. All the ones I knew had a high degree of expertise, at least by usual standards. Well regarded academics, previously high standing civil servants, former agency heads and so on.... I provided a short programme in Ethiopia on behalf of the African Union some years ago. Plenty of excellent participants from all over Africa. They most certainly would know 🐍 snake oil if it was offered!!! So, I think me and my partner--former academic, member of the UK Cabinet Office and the Prime Minister's Office--did a pretty good job. Different things valued by different participants, but something of use for everyone. That was always the goal.

NOCK

Sabine, and what of American influence?

NOCK

Thank you colleagues for the interesting viewpoints you have expressed. I am reading with more understanding from the variety of responses.

Based on historical evolution, countries and regions of the world depended, collaborated and partnered among themselves for their development. Evidences are bound from the African [Ancient Egyptian] civilisation, to Ancient Greek civilisation, to Ancient Roman civilisation, down to the present 21st century civilisation. After the World War, America developed the Marshal Plan for the reconstruction of Europe and supported the process which helped to rebuild Europe as a result of the war.

Systems theory explains the need for collaborative interdependence because any defects in any nation or region directly or indirectly affect other countries/regions in the world. For instance, flashpoints that have adverse conditions on insecurity, conflicts and migration are major threats to global peace and security. International community should continue to support Africa to solve their political, economic, social and technological challenges. This is in line with the vision of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal, agenda Number 17- Building Partnerships. Building active citizens is critical in transforming Africa because the citizens [followers] are mainly inactive and the leadership are not being held to account, which results in leadership failure in most countries in Africa.

In my point of view, it is because of the African leaders who are the main sources of African problems, we should not blame only colonials. Colonials create problems through these power greedy, palace oriented, African presidents, kings and PMs. African leaders import ideologies, principles and public policies of foreign countries that are not matching their domestic problems. These leaders try to extend their terms and in order to do, they should reach agreements and give contracts for developed countries' companies to use local resources and in return protect them to remain in power. Another problem is the mindset of the populations in Africa, who most of them believe that only developed countries can make their lives better.

Yes Sabine, as you know, I'm always one to try and balance the books 😁

Seriously though, some responses here--including my own--place some of the blame on the former colonial powers. I was thinking of America as a (post) colonial power: Liberia, direct aid around the continent, wars in North Africa, proxy wars elsewhere on the continent... That sort of thing.

NOCK

So, you would include the US amongst the (post) colonial powers? Yes😁 No😥?

NOCK

It is about neo-colonalism and imperialism. At every historical epoch, the most powerful nation/ nations influence global affairs.

I don’t think that most African countries are looking up to the developed countries for answers on the contrary the Countries are looking to China for “quicker” solutions to their problems. China is provide quicker loans to solve the problem. However, most of the African challenge is not about financing but good governance.

Well, that's an interesting answer. Do you take the view that China's role is post-colonial or neo-colonial or non-colonial?

NOCK

Making reference to Kwame Nkrumah, one of the early thinkers on this subject matter. I am of the view that China's influence in Africa increased during the post colonial era. However, today, China could be termed, to some extent, a Neo-colonial power, even though it had no colony in Africa. The comforting element is that China offers an option, which could be of mutual benefit to both countries compared to the Western legacy of colonialism which is only good to one sided, the west.

There was, of course, a great disunity between the practice of colonialism, and some of its expressed ideology. Yes, that ideology was file and racist, but it also claimed to be good for all involved! I was once lucky enough to hear a presentation on John Locke's views of colonialism in the Americas. English colonialism was supposedly superior to the Spanish version which was violent and wealth striping. Apparently, the English version improved the land an created wealth to everyone's benefit. Largely nonsense, of course, but you get an idea of the way of thinking in the colonial elite!

I like your thoughts on Chinese involvement. It's not all plain sailing though, is it? I've heard of local protests over they do things in some places. Is this true? And, overall, what's the good/bad balance in your view?

NOCK

Ah Sabine, I knew you wouldn't let me down! Nice answer, thanks!

Chris

Oh, special, special lady!! Many congratulations 📣🎉🎆🎇😂! Doctor Sabine Franklin! Has a certain ring about it!

I'm assuming that's Iceland the country not Iceland the shop???

Chris

@ Nock, for sure, the local protests on Chinese investment and involvement are real. However, from my experience, the Chinese investors are as disciplined as the local entrepreneurs (the citizens). If the investment, fiduciary risk, environmental, health and labour laws are weak or below international standards and best practices, the Chinese investors normally adopt local behaviour and exploit the loopholes. The onus is on African governments to strengthen domestic laws and adopt best practices to protect its citizens, environment and sovereignty.

Blimey, that is interesting! So, under pressure the Chinese take on local practices. Even if they're corrupt????

If that's the case, local authorities are missing out on a big chance to improve things.

NOCK

Yes!

Sabine

Yea! And there I was thinking you'd taken your time picking up a couple of frozen duck's legs!!!

When I submitted my DPhil thesis, my next job was that of supplication. If you know what that is, well done! If not, look it up. Tell me if you think me a happy supplicant. I damn sure you wouldn't be!

This corruption thing really interests me. I know we all live in corrupt places, but most regimes profess to be against it. Some even honestly attempt to punish it. That's the west, and quite a number of other places. But in some, including some in Africa, corruption is expected. It's why you wanted office! Should anyone, including the Chinese, be holding their noses and feeding that?

NOCK