Unearthing the Nexus Between Development Theories and Underdevelopment in the Post-independence Africa

Africa is endowed with plentiful social and economic resources. Ironically, the continent is still deeply entrenched in extreme poverty that, regrettably, defines the lives of many people. Drought and famine, pandemics, high rates of unemployment and crime, and natural disasters point to a discouraging bleak future. This study interrogates the development theories and development nexus with a particular reference to Africa’s post-independence era. The prime objective of the study is to discuss the reasons why development theories are failing to project and bring real development in post-independence Africa. The chapter utilizes documentary search as the data collection instrument. The data is analyzed qualitatively using the content analysis method. The study argues that the deep-rooted poverty cases are linked to the failures of the contemporary theories of development in shaping the pace and direction of development efforts in the African continent. To this end, the research seeks to synthesize the key components and role of the three major theories of development, namely, dependency, modernization, and globalization, in understanding Africa’s post-independence development. Observed loopholes of the above development theories are, indeed, a compelling case for this chapter to suggest the Africa Renaissance theory as a panacea for a holistic appreciation of the depth and breadth of various development strides in post-independence Africa.