HOW AFRICANS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO AFRICA’S STRUGGLES
In 1972, historian Walter Rodney wrote a powerful book called How Europe Underdeveloped Africa. He explained how slavery, colonialism and foreign exploitation kept Africa poor. At the time, many African countries had just become independent and his message made a lot of sense.
Today, more than 50 years later, Rodney’s words still matter. Europe did take a lot from Africa; its resources, its people and its future. But now in 2025, Africa’s struggles are not only because of what Europe did in the past. Africans themselves have also played a role in holding the continent back. If Rodney were alive today, he might write a new book: How Africans Underdeveloped Africa.
While countries like India, Brazil and Singapore have grown strong after colonialism, many African countries are still struggling. And this is happening even though Africa has some of the richest natural resources in the world.
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One big problem is bad leadership. Many African leaders care more about power and money than helping their people. Corruption is everywhere. Leaders steal billions of dollars and hide the money in foreign banks. Elections are often unfair and some presidents stay in power for decades. While countries like Ghana and South Africa have made progress with democracy, many others are still far behind.
Sadly, Africa’s diversity that should be a strength has often led to ethnic fighting. Ethnic and religious conflicts have caused terrible violence. The Rwandan genocide in 1994, where over 800,000 people died, is one of the most painful examples. Even today, wars in places like the Central African Republic waste lives and money that could be used for schools, hospitals and roads.
It’s on record that Africa is rich in gold, oil, diamonds and other resources. But most countries sell these raw materials instead of turning them into products. This keeps them poor and dependent on other countries. Even when the economy grows, the rich often get richer while most people stay poor.
Many of Africa’s best doctors, engineers and teachers move abroad for better jobs. This “brain drain” leaves the continent without the skilled people it needs to grow. On top of that, corruption takes away money meant for education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Yet, there’s a Hope for the FUTURE.
All is not LOST.
Africa has young, smart and creative population. There is also a growing tech scene, and the continent is full of energy and ideas.
Yes, Europe’s actions in the past hurt Africa DEEPLY. .
But now, it’s up to Africans to take charge of their future.
The past cannot be changed but the future is in our hands.
The time has always been NOW.
– Abdulkadir Bin ABDULMALIL
Kogi State, NIGERIA
