This is another of our Alumni contributed articles. Hope you enjoy it.

Background (1960 – 1989)

Africa (Source: http://familypedia.wikia.com/wiki/Africa)

Africa (Source: http://familypedia.wikia.com/wiki/Africa)

The African continent has been stuck in a period of economic stagnation and decay since the late 1960’s and 1970’s. As the winds of political change started sweeping through much of Africa during this period, political and liberation priorities overtook most other priorities – including sustaining economic development. The beginning of this period of political freedom for Africa coincided with a protracted but near-silent ideological war in the northern hemisphere – the Cold War!

Africa being a large provider of resources to the world became a playground for this ‘silent’ war. Many African political leaders simply became pawns of either the capitalist West or Soviet-linked powers. The priority on economic development unfortunately took a back-seat between the late 1960’s (as most of Africa started gaining independence) and a very notable year – 1989!