Methods used by African countries to fight neo-colonialism

Methods used by African countries to fight neo-colonialism

African countries are using various methods to fight neo-colonialism. They include those presented below.

1. Creation of African Unity
2. Establishment of regional integrations
3. Establishment of African Development Bank (AfDB)
4. Adoption of national and international policies that challenge neo-colonialism
5. Strengthening economies

Creation of African Unity

Promoting unity among African countries has been an important strategy for a long time. From the 1960s onwards, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) organised African countries to function as a single political group with one voice against the imposition of neo-colonialism in African countries. Later on, the OAU was transformed into a new organisation known as the African Union (AU).

Establishment of regional integrations

This is the cooperation of groups of African countries. It promotes economic, social and political cooperation among countries so as to reduce reliance on foreign aid. Examples of these regional economic groupings are the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS). These groups promote economic and political independence, enhance regional peace and security, and ensure free movement of people, goods and services in the respective regions. Africans are using these economic groupings to deal with the challenges of neo-colonialism.

Establishment of African Development Bank (AfDB)

African countries established the African Development Bank in order to promote economic independence and to minimise dependence on foreign capital. AfDB has grown to become the backbone of African economies. It provides financial assistance to African countries for building infrastructure and providing social services to their people. This bank provides financial support for building roads, railways, ports and industries, among others. It also provides financial support for strengthening government institutions.

The bank is doing an excellent job of reducing Africa's reliance on foreign aid. In so doing, it also reduces the influence of neo-colonialism on the continent.

Adoption of national and international policies that challenge neo-colonialism

Since independence, African countries and those in Asia and South America have made decisions and formulated programmes that resisted and challenged neo-colonialism. In 1959, for instance, developing countries held a conference in Bandung, Indonesia, which was popularly known as the Bandung Conference. At this conference, they decided that they would openly challenge neo-colonialism. They also formed the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) in order to remain neutral during the cold war politics.

They chose not to side with either of the two camps.

Strengthening economies

African countries made the effort to strengthen their economies in order to reduce reliance on foreign aid. Therefore, they invested in agriculture, mining as well as social and political infrastructure facilities to promote economic development in their countries. They also fought corruption so that national economies and social services could benefit everyone.