The current african underdevelopment is a historical phenomenon. Justify.

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The Historical Causes of Africa’s Underdevelopment and the Path to Growth.

The term 'underdevelopment' doesn't mean the absence of developent but a comparison on the level of development between African, Asian and Latin American countries to developed countries like Britain, U.S.A, France and China.

Developed countries are characterized by;
  • Heavy industries, 
  • High technology, 
  • High production, 
  • Good living standards and 
  • High per capital income.
Underdeveloped countries lag behind the developed countries in terms by having;
  • Few and poor industries, 
  • Low rate of production, 
  • Low life expectancy and 
  • Poor living standards.
Therefore African current underdevelopent should be traced as far back as from the 15th century when the outsiders started to cross the seas, while Africa was still unprepared for it.

The following is a historical chronology on the African underdevelopent;

1. The unequal trade relation between Africa and Asia from the 8th century to 15th century A D. 

During this trade the commodities exchanged between these two sides had no equal value; For Instance; From Africa Asians obtained;
  • Gold from Mwanemutapa, 
  • Copper from Katanga-Zambia, 
  • Ivory, 
  • Rhinnoceros horns and 
  • Slaves. 
In return Africans received less valuable products like; 
  • Beads, 
  • Jars, 
  • Gunpowder, 
  • Porcelain, 
  • Silk, 
  • Beakers, 
  • Daggers and 
  • Spices from Middle and Far East.
This unequal exchange led to exploitation of African human and Natural resources leading to the Economic gap.


2. The merchantile exploitation by the Europeans. 

Up to the 15th century, levels of economy between Africa and Europe were almost the same.

Africa had social, economic and political development that was superior to some places in the world For Instance; 
  • Iron smelting Industries in Nok and Meroe,
  • Egyptians had invented calendar and form of writting known as hieroglyphics.
  • Ancient Universities like Fez in Morocco and Timbuktu in Mali show how far Africa had reached in Education.
  • Trading activities like the Trans Saharan trade was also a great commercial achievement.
After arrival of Merchants from Europe searching for bullions (gold and silver), the situation changed. 

Europe overtook Africa in development through unequal exchange whereby they took bullions (gold and silver) in exchange for manufactured goods like;
Guns, Alcohol, Glass, ornaments, Clothes and Canned foods.

The loss of wealth during merchantilism expanded the gap in economy, making Africa continue to lag behind.


3. The Slave Trade especially the Triangular/Trans Atlantic Slave Trade.

Trans Atlantic slave trade involved three continents such as Africa, America and Europe. 

Trade routes in this trade created a shape of triangle, giving birth to the term 'Triangular (triangle) Slave trade. It was also called Trans-Atlantic because it was conducted across the Atlantic ocean. 

This exchange led to heavy Exploitation of both African human and natural resouces.

Resources supposed to develop Africa, were diverted for growth Europe and America, enlarging the economic gap.

4. Introduction of colonialism or Imperialism. 

Colonial powers from Europe invaded African continent and divided it among themselves for exploitation of raw materials, areas for investment of surplus capital, and markets for manufactured goods Berlin Conference held in Germany by Chancellor Otto Von Bismark in 1884-1885.

This act of extending political and economic control to other countries is called colonialism or Imperialism.

Imperialism made africans to lose political, social and economic freedom.

Colonialists used this chance to rob African  resources through forced labour, Taxation, and land annexation. This went hand in hand with the;
  • Destruction of local industries
  • Destruction of African education
  • Destruction of Local trade and
  • Destruction of self sustained african economy.
Colonial exploitation stagnated African economic achievement, widening economic gap further.


5. Neo-colonialism. 

Neo colonialism means continuation of European political, social and economic exploitation, in African countries despite the flag independence.

Former colonial masters continued with economic, political and social links with their former colonies by;
  •  Providing loans with higher interests rates, and difficult conditions like the case of Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP).
  • Fixing price for trading commodities.
  • Selling the obsolete technologies to Africa.
  • Manipulating political activities like the case of Libya and DR Congo crises.
Through these links, African continent is still being exploited.

What should Africa do?

1. Africans should invest in technological transformation to manufacture its own products for consumption and export.

2. Full utilization of available resources like Minerals, water bodies, fertile land and human resources for Africa's development and avoid dependence on foreign exploitative and tricky loans.

3. Africans should unite and share continent's resources for collective development of Africans like the United States of America.

4. Avoidance of Political Manipulation.

African countries face challenges arising from the misunderstanding of Western democratic practices. 

This has led to formation of numerous unregulated political parties, which create political instability and social disorder, particularly in economically weak states like Democratic Republic of Congo.

5. Africa should put to an end the feeling of inferiority to Europeans, work hard and make critical research on Agriculture, education, mining sector and Rational politics which leads to Social, Political and scientific inventions and discoveries for today and future Generation.


Conclusion,

Africa's underdevelopment is not a coincidence, it is the result of historical injustices and continued exploitation.

However, By addressing internal weaknesses and resisting external manipulation, Africa can reclaim its rightful place in the global economy and build a future based on equity, innovation, and unity.


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