In what ways did the legacy of colonialism complicate the emergency of national identity and state building in newly independent African Nations?

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Colonial legacy.

Colonial legacy refers to long-term impact of colonialism on political, economic and social structures on Africa.

Colonial impacts have continued to shape African societies and institutions even after official end of colonial rule. 

Below are some major legacies left by colonial powers in Africa;

1. Classes created by Colonial Education.

Colonial education created division between literates and illiterates, leading to emergence of social classes. 

Educated Africans like clerks, foremen, teachers and messangers despised uneducated Africans, increasing division in societies that needed unity and collective development.

2. Dependency Economies

Export economy created a dependent economy because African colonies relied mainly on exporting raw materials such as cash crops and minerals to Europe.

Prices of these products were fixed and controlled by European buyers and industries.

When demand was low in Europe, African cash crop price fell leading to collapse of economy.

3. Cultural brainwashing.

Colonial education brainwashed Africans into adopting Western cultures including dressing styles, foods and language, glorifying European superiority. 

Anglophone, Francophone and Lusophone countries in Africa are clear evidence of longer lasting impact of European culture to Africa.

4. Religious Conflicts

European missionaries introduced Christianity in many African societies. While some Africans embraced Christianity, others remained loyal to traditional religions or Islam. Religion created divisions within families and communities.

In Nigeria, British indirect rule strengthened Islamic institutions in the North while missionaries were more active in the South.

Today, religious identity, influences politics.

Presidential tickets in Nigeria are balanced between Christians and Muslims.

Religious tensions have contributed to violence like  Boko Haram raids in Northern Nigeria

This shows how colonial religious policies contributed to long-term instability.

5. Puppetism and Neo-colonialism

Post-independence African nations adopted Westminster-style of constitutions and colonial administrative systems. 

Colonial systems were not designed to solve African problems, leading to emergence of puppet leaders like Mobutu Sese Seko of Congo, serving interests of former colonial powers instead of his people.

6. Dependent Military.

Colonial powers created armies to protect their own interests, not to defend independent African nations. 

After independence, African countries inherited colonial military systems, creating dependence on foreign training, weapons, and financial support. 

Millitary dependency weakened national defense systems, encouraged ethnic imbalances within the army, and contributed to coups and internal conflicts. 

Francophone West Africa Countries like Mali, Niger and Côte d'Ivoire maintained strong military ties with France after independence.

France stationed troops in these countries, and during crises, governments depended on French intervention like the case of Mali in 2013.

7. Colonial boundaries and Border Conflicts.

Colonial powers drew arbitrary territorial boundaries with no regard for African ethnic or cultural systems. 

Artificial borders have caused frequent border conflicts and tensions among African states. 

Examples include the 1978 war between Tanzania and Uganda, and the disputes between Kenya and Somalia in the 1960's.

Colonial borders separated ethnic groups like Maasai in Kenya and Tanzania, Somalis in Somalia and Ethiopia and Luo in Kenya and Uganda.


Reforms that can be made for a New Africa.

  • Agricultural and industrial policies should promote self-sufficiency and economic diversification.

  • Cultural institutions must be revived and respected.
  • Education systems should instill pride in African identity.
  • Science and technology must be prioritized for innovation.
  • Countries need to develop a capable and patriotic workforce committed to national progress and unity.

Colonialism may have ended politically, but its legacy continues to affect every corner of African life. 

Recognizing and addressing these impacts in a positive manner is important for true freedom, identity, and sustainable development.


Changes in Political, Social and Economic Policies in African countries after independence.




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