1 - Constraints and Opportunities for the NIEO in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This chapter presents some major characteristics of developing Africa. These features have shaped Africa's past, conditioned efforts and responses, and are likely to cast long shadows on its path into the future. They derive from the peculiarities of Africa's colonization. Africa suffered the humiliation of having been partitioned arbitrarily by the colonial powers without regard to history, culture, and economic and political viability. There was no rational basis for her partition. This explains the large number of mini-states. The chapter also explains the fragility of African governments. Moreover, African colonialism is a recent phenomenon. Its impact, especially on African economies, is visible. The chapter describes constraints and opportunities for the New International Economic Order (NIEO) in sub-Saharan Africa. In the process of establishing a NIEO, Africa has to perceive its goal as essentially one of economic decolonization. This will guide its time frame and its tactics.