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Major Developmental Challenges of African States

Andrew, Aondosoo Nomsoor

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the development of the African countries and the rationale for the different developmental challenges that plagued the continent. Relying on secondary source of data, it traces the African development right from the colonization era to the present day. The study was able to spell out the challenges African countries are undergoing such as the challenge of governance, lack of technology, brain drain, incorporation of Africa in the world capitalist system, effects of globalization, debt burden among others. While adopting the modernization theory as the major theory to anchor its analysis, it also highlights other various theories of development and the flaws associated with such theories. The study was able to recommend among others that Africa should strengthen an all-encompassing strong institutions, culture and development, transfer of technology etc in order to position themselves in the world capitalist system.

Keywords

Development Governance infrastructure deficit Economic dependence human capital development political instability

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