The Essence And Character Of The New Trends In African Development

From a high point at the dawn of independence in the 1960s, the aspirations of the majority of the African masses have been reduced to dying embers. The widespread ramifications of the crisis of the imperialist system in the 1980s, have found acute manifestations on the African continent. The decline in the real earnings of African countries from the export of their agricultural products and mineral raw materials, on one hand, and the rise in the cost of their imported industrial inputs and manufactured goods on the other, has had a crippling effect on their development projects. The ensuing poverty and social problems have precipitated political instability and reduced the capacities of governments to find long-term solutions to problems facing their nations. This sombre picture has caused many to wave their hands in the air in helpless resignation. In this maze of confusion the vision of sympathizers and patriots alike, has been blurred in respect to the emerging trends in, and character of, African development. This situation poses grave danger to the continent, because it camouflages the evil machinations of imperialism, and allows it to exploit the people at will. In order to counter the rapacious plunder of imperialism, African intellectuals and patriots alike must take it upon themselves to at all times lay bare the dynamics of the development process.

International Seminar Series. Seminar On Southern African Responses To Imperialism, Harare 22-24 April 1987.