Dominance-dependence realities in post-colonial Africa

Despite 40 years of independence, Africa is still synonymous with failed development. This work's hypothesis is that dominance-dependence hindered the sustainable development of Africa. European powers, such as France and Britain, expanded their empire to Africa in order to gain access to cheap raw materials and to markets for their finished products. In the Neomarxist view, dominance-dependence is a consequence of capitalist development. A key argument in this work is that dominance-dependence continued despite African states' formal independence. The aim of this research is to show the mechanisms of post-colonialism by looking at two case studies: Post-colonial relations of France--Gabon and Britain--Nigeria. Despite being oil-rich countries, Gabon and Nigeria did not achieve sustainable development. Dependency Theory and 'Culture Matters' Theory serve as two frameworks which try to explain Africa's failed development. Multilateralism and good governance efforts since the 1990s have reduced the post-colonial influence of France and Britain, but a new 'Scramble for Africa' is taking place. China is becoming a colonial power under the disguise of 'brother help.' Due to China's economic development, it is securing its (energy) interests in Africa. This development confirms the initial statement that dominance-dependence is a consequence of a capitalist development.