Modernization and Development in Africa’s Nascent States

Abstract

Development as we know it is a process of growth, progress through a sequence of stages and of directed/ purposeful change towards a particular height. It means making a better life for everyone. In the present context of a highly uneven world, a better life for most people means, essentially, meeting basic needs: sufficient food to maintain good health; a safe, healthy place in which to live; affordable services available to everyone; and being treated with dignity and respect. This paper aimed at finding the relationship between modernization and Africa’s nascent states’ development. The hypothesis stated is that, modernization though it is a product of colonialism it has a positive impact or contribution to Africa’s development. The qualitative research design is used and the documentary analysis is the research method used in to develop this paper. The development theories served of great significance in the understanding of this research such modernization, dependency, Economic growth and import Substitution industrialization theories.

The findings show that, there are two causes of Africa’s underdevelopment namely colonialism as external factor and internal factors such as poor governance, corruption, lack of political will, lack of participation of grassroots in formulating, planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation of developmental policies in Africa.

Furthermore, modernization plays a great role to African nascent states’ development. The sectors like Agriculture, Transportation, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among others should be modernized for the socio-economic purposes of the continent.

To this end, the African leaders should maximize the benefits or advantages of modernization to develop the continent and stop complaining the West everyday life