UNDERDEVELOPMENT of AFRICA

Among the continents of the world today, available indices point to the fact that Africa is the least developed politically, socially, economically, technology, culturally, educationally among others indicators. In term of economy, most African countries are today classified as 'underdeveloped' while some are mis-named 'developing'. Most of the countries in Africa are debtors to foreign nations with low per capital income, high poverty level, high inflation and unemployment rates as well as low standard of living of the citizens among others.

Level of technological development in Africa as at today is insignificant. While continents like South America, Europe and Asia are celebrating and profiting from their breakthrough in this area, most African countries are today relying on foreign goods, equipment and services for their sustenance.

African content is also backward in term of Educational development. Gross primary enrolment rate in African countries is very low so also is adult literacy rate among others education indices. Manpower development is also insignificant in African countries when compared to others.

Today, there is no democracy is most African countries except 'pseudo-democracy' in some. Most of the countries have over the years been ruled by military occasioned by frequent 'coup detats'. While countries in other continents are enjoying dividends of democracy, African countries are today plague by political thuggery, falsification of election results, snatching of ballot papers and boxes, political assassinations as well as instability.

The issue of underdevelopment of Africa can be attributed to several factors, notable among these is the colonization by foreign countries. It is of note that most African Countries were at one time or the other colonized by foreign countries for several years. In the process, both the human, material and natural resources of these countries were exploited to their disadvantage. These African countries were denied independence at the time they would have taken their destinies in their hands. Unfortunately, most of them were released when they had finished with their natural resources and were thus satisfied with their conscience.

At present, there is neo-colonization in Africa, which can be attributed to the issue of 'visa lotteries' being granted African citizens annually. Through these lotteries, many youths in Africa including the professionals are recruited to develop the foreign economies. As at today, many Engineers, Doctors, Pharmacists, Technologists among other professionals that could have been contributing to the development of their countries abound in the foreign countries.

Another factor that can be linked with under-development of Africa is corruption. Most countries in Africa are today plagued by high-level corruption in public and private sectors. This is worsen by the selfish and greediness of those in corridors of power. Today, many of the African leaders are operating foreign accounts, being serviced by looted money, which could have been better utilized for the development of African countries. Many of the African leaders are 'sit tight' leaders, having spent several years in power without appreciable progress. Many of these leaders prefer to die in power rather that to be ousted from power.

Poor planning also contributes to under-development of Africa. The role of planning in the achievement of objectives cannot be over emphasised. Unfortunately, planning efforts in Africa, leave much to be desired. Most of the plans in African countries are myopic, from obsolete data as well as faulty data gathering procedures, thus cannot stand the test of time.

Frequent civil disturbances can also account for underdevelopment of Africa. Over the years, most countries in Africa are characterized by cases of wars, demonstrations, kidnapping among other criminal activities, which are preventing foreign investments in those countries. An investor would prefer to invest in an environment where peace can be guaranteed and where profits can be maximized.

The impact of the issue of slave trade on underdevelopment of Africa cannot be dismissed with a wave of hand. During the period when African countries were colonized, slave trade was at high level. Many of the citizens were exported to the foreign countries then to develop their economies.

Overpopulation is another major issue in Africa. Most countries in Africa are overpopulated vis a vis the available resources thus creating a sort of competition among the citizens for the available resources.

It needs not be overemphasized that the time is ripe for Africa to wake from their slumber and move towards achieving greatness just like other continents in the world. This can be achieved through the commitment of the citizens and good leadership that is devoid of wars, demonstrations and other criminal activities.