‘I believe that we have reached a stage in life in the economic development of Africa where moving forward is perilous, moving backward is cowardice and standing still is suicidal but we must persevere…’ This was quoted by PLO Lumumba, one of Africa’s contemporary Pan-African champions, portraying Africa’s development dilemma. In hindsight, the impact of British presence in Africa has reverberated across different socio-economic and political spheres in the continent. As the British empire relinquished its administrative position in Africa, they left practices that were too entrenched for the hosts to suddenly abandon. For instance, most Anglophone countries retained legislation laws that had been endorsed and implemented in the pre-colonial era, such as urban-zoning regulations and parliamentary standing orders. Interestingly, limited changes were introduced in the education system in post-independence Africa. Till date, students in Anglophone countries wear designated uniforms and are required to uphold discipline and etiquette, which were a hallmark of the British education system then. The use of English as the official language in these countries is still entrenched and is highly unlikely that this will be replaced for generations to come. Although these changes are now part of the African post-independence identity, the relationship, influence and attitude between the African continent and Great Britain is drifting and this should be a cause for concern.
The past two decades has seen Africa receive renewed interest and attention from global stakeholders. Once considered a region drowning in poverty and poor governance, the continent is lifting its weight and attracting more foreign direct investment rather than aid. The continent’s inclusion in China’s Belt and Road Initiative has improved the continent’s infrastructure development and enhanced mutual cooperation between the Asian tiger state and Africa. The United States investment in Africa’s digital infrastructure has opened up opportunities for startups in both regions to rollout and experiment new digital technologies in areas such as finance, agriculture and cybersecurity. The European Union’s support towards the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is considered a catalyst that will strengthen the continent’s physical, financial and information value chains, hence ultimately increasing trade and investment between mainland Europe and Africa. As Africa continues to rope in more interests and solve its known unknowns, the participation of the United Kingdom seems to be detaching and deteriorating overtime. According to official statistics, foreign direct investment into the continent has declined to around 5% from highs of 10%-15% in the early 1990s, while export and import volumes has correspondingly declined as well. For instance, the total trade volume between the UK and Zambia recorded a 27.8% decline between 2022 and 2023, a 7.8% decline between it and South Africa, and a 26.2% decline between it and Uganda, in the same period. During the national budgeting process, Anglophone countries in East and Southern Africa normally undertake stakeholder consultations and this usually attracts both local and international interests. Global north countries such as the United States, France and Germany have exploited these budget consultation forums to spearhead their economic and social interests in countries such as Kenya and Tanzania. Overtime, this has resulted in enhanced cooperation, deeper participation in the economy and strengthened private sector linkages between these countries. On the socio-political front, some Anglophone countries are pursuing constitutional reforms that have been considered ‘pre-independence British’, while others have opted to alter their constitutions entirely and endorsed an American, European or Chinese type of governance structure. The military cooperation between the United Kingdom and some African countries is continuously being scrutinized, with some quarters demanding a renegotiation of terms or the complete expulsion of British forces.
Consequences of both parties
The diminishing relationship between Britain and Africa has significant consequences: whilst Britain’s weakened status in negotiating trade agreements with African countries undermines its interests, hindering potential avenues for growth and expansion opportunities, Africa loses out on export channels with the same, further aggravating industrialization efforts. Other compounded losses will be felt through limited collaborations in innovation and research.