The Success of Independence in Africa: Economic, Political, and Social Progress
Overview
This paper examines the positive outcomes of African independence movements from European colonial rule in the 20th century. It argues that independence accelerated economic growth, political development, and social unity across the African continent, demonstrating measurable progress in GDP, governance, and democracy despite ongoing challenges.
What this essay covers
- Introduction: Overview of liberation movements and the two major drivers of African independence
- Economic Empowerment: Analysis of GDP growth rates, per capita increases, and economic progress post-independence
- Political Progress: Examination of democratic initiatives and governance improvements in countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Ghana
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The success of Independence in Africa
Introduction
Independence came with all sorts of benefits to the African countries. Development and economic empowerment rely on the country's freedom of rulership. Liberation movements took place in the early 20th century, and it took a lot of effort to end decolonization. During the 20th century, Africa faced the European rulership, which was clouded with pain and tears. African pioneers created a political movement that was meant to push for self-rulership and independence from European countries. Two major vectors pushed for freedom in Africa; firstly, people wanted to end imperialism and dictatorship, imposed by the foreign rulers. Secondly, the African countries wanted to be responsible for economic empowerment and unity amongst their people. Thus, independence accelerated social, economic, and political progress in Africa (Brown, 25).
Economic Empowerment
Can a be productive if you are not independent? Is it possible for any nation to unite its people when it is under a foreigner's rulership? The European rule was shaken to the core in the 1960s, and it was pioneered by some influential leaders such as Nelson Mandela and other sub-Saharan leaders. The fight was enormous, and it is evident that have Africa has experienced tremendous economic progress after it achieved its independence (Brown, 30). Most countries that attained their liberation by the end of 1980 had reported respectable growth in their GDP. For instance, some countries under the Saharan wing had more than 9% economic growth, which reflected the importance of independence.