Abstract

In considering the recent African development debacle this report focuses on the external factors which the author believes are the primary causes of this problem. Although it is recognised that internal factors - such as corruption and political and economic mismanagement played an important precipatory function in this crisis, it is argued that the subordination of Africa to serve northern interests is the most crucial factor in African underdevelopment. The continuation of this phenomenon still prevents the likelihood of genuine African transformation and is guaranteed through a host of policies imposed and spearheaded by a number of international organisations, currently led by the World Bank and the IMF. The paper concludes by calling on the African leaders to move towards the complete decolonisation of Africa, and for the implementation of their own development strategies, which have been consistently rejected by the outside world. Only through this can Africa hope for a true transformation which will benefit its own people.