This paper explores the factors responsible for the underdevelopment of most African states with an attempt to provide some possible recommendations to overcoming the socio-economic and political problems faced by the continent in a growing inter connected (globalised) world. Some of the factors that hinder Africa’s development are at the starting point of this essay. The possible measures that may help reduce the agony in the continent if applied sincerely were put forward for consideration. It is assumed that states do not fail because of accidents but primarily due to the faults of kleptocrats who find themselves in power either through force or rigged elections.
Table of Contents
3.2 Introduction
3.3 Factors that hinder Africa’s development
A. Security and Civil Unrest
B. Corruption
C. Dictatorship
D. Unemployment and Hardship
3.4 Possible remedies to Africa failure
A. Provision of adequate security to persons and properties (Protection)
B. Practice of democracy and rule of law
C. Infrastructural improvement and investment in social services
D. Provision of incentives to private initiatives (subsidizing local entrepreneurs)
E. Education of the youths and fight against corruption
F. Patriotism and citizen’s participation in community development
3.5 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper examines the underlying factors contributing to the systemic underdevelopment of most African states and proposes actionable recommendations to address the socio-economic and political challenges hindering the continent's progress in a globalized era.
- The identification of systemic causes for state failure in Africa, including corruption and political instability.
- The impact of internal conflicts, lack of security, and poor governance on economic growth.
- The role of external influences and the historical context of foreign resource exploitation.
- The necessity of institutional reforms, democratic practices, and human capital development.
- Citizen-led initiatives and patriotism as catalysts for local community development.
Excerpt from the Book
B. Corruption
The German based non-governmental Organisation Transparency International (TI) defines corruption as the misuse of entrusted power for private gain both in the public and private sector of life23. There is no doubt that corruption is a canker worm that has eaten through the fabric of most African societies as corruption has become a culture. African countries that have top the corruption index published by TI are Cameroon, Kenya and Nigeria. Most African leaders both in the past and present have siphoned state funds to banks in Europe and America include amongst others Idi Amin of Uganda, Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Frederick Chiluba of Zambia, Sani Abacha of Nigeria and Paul Biya24 of Cameroon. With the corrupt nature of most African leaders it becomes difficult for corrupt to be handled. The judiciary system that is supposed to bring the corrupt officials to justice is also corrupt.
Corrupt practices have been reported in the military, Police, press, trade unions, NGOs and the civil services. Tax evasion, bribery and nepotism are common and acceptable practices in some parts of Africa today.
Abubakar Kargbo summarises the consequences of corruption as follows,
Corruption slows down investment and economic growth, the fact that bribery contracts are unlike regular contracts that are enforceable. Corruption raises the cost of doing business. Officials may introduce certain conditions to ensure that they get bribes, through delays and unnecessary requirements. Corruption discourages new ideas and innovations.
Summary of Chapters
3.2 Introduction: Provides an overview of the current state of African nations, highlighting challenges like political unrest and economic instability, while introducing the concept of failed states.
3.3 Factors that hinder Africa’s development: Analyzes the structural barriers to progress, specifically focusing on insecurity, widespread corruption, autocratic leadership, and systemic unemployment.
3.4 Possible remedies to Africa failure: Outlines strategic solutions, including security reforms, democratic governance, infrastructure investment, and fostering private initiatives and youth education.
3.5 Conclusion: Synthesizes the main findings, emphasizing that despite potential, Africa's development is stalled by internal failures and external exploitation, calling for collective political will.
Keywords
Africa, Underdevelopment, Failed States, Corruption, Dictatorship, Security, Economic Growth, Governance, Democracy, Infrastructure, Poverty, Unemployment, Civil Strife, Foreign Policy, Resource Curse
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the root causes of underdevelopment across African states and suggests practical solutions to overcome these socio-economic and political challenges.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The core themes include state failure, the impact of corruption, the consequences of authoritarian regimes, and the necessity for infrastructural and democratic improvements.
What is the central research question addressed?
The paper asks why most African states remain underdeveloped despite being resource-rich, and what concrete measures can be implemented to reverse this trend.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The author uses a critical analytical approach, reviewing existing indices (such as the Failed States Index), reports, and literature to evaluate the state of governance and development in Africa.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body examines security issues, corruption, dictatorship, unemployment, and potential reform pathways such as subsidizing local entrepreneurs and improving youth education.
Which keywords best describe the paper's focus?
Key terms include African underdevelopment, failed states, corruption, democratic governance, resource curse, and institutional reform.
How does the author define a "failed state" in the context of Africa?
The author refers to governments that fail to deliver core functions such as territorial control, safety, security, and basic services to their citizens.
What role does the "resource curse" play in the continent's underdevelopment?
The author argues that reliance on natural resources like oil has led to the neglect of other economic sectors and exacerbated corruption, contributing to social unrest rather than development.
Why does the author advocate for citizen participation?
The author believes that because governments have frequently failed to meet basic needs, indigenous, self-help, and community-led initiatives are essential for local development.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Stephen Ekokobe Awung (Autor:in), 2011, A critical analysis on the reasons of underdevelopment in Africa , München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/168420
