What Must Happen for Africa to Develop?

African leaders and the entire continent are not oblivious of the woes and the devilish intent of imperialistic or neo-colonial tendencies? They are well aware, and we may be deluding ourselves into believing they are unaware.

Even an SHS 2 government student knows about the inhumane and the grotesque nature of the French Policy of Assimilation, Colonialism and neo-colonialism, which is often referred to as imperialism. I would like to reiterate that our leaders are well aware, even of the intricacies and the various tools or weapons often utilize by imperialist or neo-colonialist to exert influence and control.

It's worth noting that all powers will always prioritize their interest in the quest to improving and sustaining the well-being of its own citizens over others, for absolute dominance and power in every facet. It sounds Laudable, right? Conversely, African leaders are seen as complicit or co-conspirators in these dynamics, instead of emphasizing and prioritizing the dire need of their people by resisting external control and influence in whatever form. Although, these self-centered African political actors are aware of this menace that plummets the development fabric of Africa, they have chosen to be in bed with it, just in the same way our traditional leaders deliberately allied with the colonial officials to subjugate and coerce their subjects to come to terms with Colonialism, just to satisfy their personal aggrandizement. To me the trailing development of the African continent is due to well deliberate and orchestrated attempt geared towards self-enrichment, stashed in corruption and self-centeredness. Corruption charges have indeed been leveled against several African leaders and executives in relation to signing deals with foreign powers. Let's break down some notable cases:

African leaders are mostly involved in prioritizing personal gain over national development when negotiating deals with foreign powers. This pattern of corruption and self-enrichment has led to economic stagnation, resource exploitation, and weakened governance. Below are detailed examples of how this unfolds across different African nations:

1. Nigeria – Oil Scandals & Political Corruption.

• The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged oil giants Shell and Eni for paying $801 million to Nigerian businessmen and politicians in exchange for an oil prospecting license.
• Former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke was arrested in the UK for overseeing a state oil sector that leaked tens of billions of dollars due to corruption.
• The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has been involved in scandals where billions in oil revenue were diverted to private accounts through fraudulent contracts and kickbacks.

2. Angola – Sonangol Oil Corruption.

• Under President José Eduardo dos Santos (1979-2017), Angola’s state-owned oil company Sonangol was plagued by corruption, with oil revenues diverted for personal gain.
• Despite Angola’s vast oil wealth, millions of citizens remain in poverty, while elites amass fortunes through corrupt dealings.

3. Libya – Post-Gaddafi Oil Mismanagement.

• Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya’s oil industry has suffered from misappropriation of revenues by armed groups and political elites.
• The Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) has been exploited, with funds meant for rebuilding the country instead falling into the hands of corrupt officials.

4. Equatorial Guinea – The Obiang Family’s Wealth.

• The Obiang family, particularly the president’s son, has been implicated in corruption investigations related to the country’s state oil company.
• Gabriel Mbega, the president’s son and oil minister, has been accused of siphoning off millions in state funds to finance luxury properties and offshore accounts.

5. Kenya – Pipeline Corruption Scandal.

• Investigators uncovered a Sh95 billion scandal at the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), highlighting corruption risks in Kenya’s oil sector.
• Funds meant for infrastructure development were allegedly misused by officials, further delaying economic progress.

6. Ghana – Political Influence in Resource Deals.

• Ghana has faced allegations of politicians signing unfair mining and oil contracts that benefit foreign corporations more than local communities.
• Some leaders have been accepting bribes to approve deals that undermine national economic independence.

7. Democratic Republic of Congo – Mineral Wealth Exploitation.

• The DRC is rich in cobalt and diamonds, yet foreign companies control most of the extraction, often through corrupt agreements with local officials.
• Despite vast mineral wealth, millions of Congolese citizens live in extreme poverty, while elites profit from resource deals.

Let us change our attitude and our attitudes will change us.