POLITICS AND THE CRISIS OF DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA

Abstract

The efforts invested in Africa's development over the years have proven to be ineffective. This outcome is not because development has failed, but rather because it was never a priority. Some scholars attribute the underdevelopment of Africa to various factors, including poor leadership characterized by corruption, inadequate planning, and inappropriate policies such as those imposed by organizations like the IMF and the World Bank. However, the primary obstacle to development in Africa lies in its political landscape. African politics has been structured in a way that obstructs the pursuit of development and hinders the emergence of relevant and effective development paradigms and programs. By employing the Marxist political economy framework of analysis, it becomes evident that Africa's underdevelopment has a historical context. The struggle among post-independence leaders to gain control over and exploit the countries' resources through state power has significantly impeded the development processes on the continent. To foster development, it is crucial to promote inclusivity, enabling the active participation of the people in their countries' affairs. Additionally, self-reliance and confidence among the population are vital elements in achieving development.