Pre-colonial Political Institutions: Relevance for Contemporary Africa

Abstract

Chiefdoms were ubiquitous throughout pre-colonial Africa for over a millennium before the modern era, and the primary institutions of governance across the continent were the chieftaincy and support offices of councils, advisors, governors, subordinate chiefs, and commanders. As chiefs consolidated their control over productive resources and trade, and accumulated wealth, they increased their authority and power to control the political and economic functions of their polity, and their positions and the roles of other governing and administrative officials became institutionalized. These institutions of governance became more complex and structured over time. By 1500 ce there were large and thriving chiefdoms and kingdoms across the continent. This chapter concludes that where pre-colonial political institutions suffered little interference or disruption during the period of colonial rule, they remain directly relevant to contemporary Africa.