

Positive Effects of Colonialism in Africa

The term “colonialism” refers to the act of gaining governmental control over another nation, whether fully or partially, by settling there and exploiting its economy. When a nation extends and maintains its dominance over the other population or area, it is called colonialism. During the nineteenth century, major powers like the United Kingdom and Germany held control over countries in the Third World.

The improvement of one’s physical and intellectual well-being. Individuals who were colonised by colonial regimes gained access to advanced education and health treatment, which had a good impact on their lives(Matasci et al., n.d.). Most governments concentrated on low-level public service jobs. It was the missionaries’ primary goal to educate the people of colonized Africa. Most post-colonial leaders were educated in colonial administration and missionary institutions, despite the fact that less than half of the children for most territories went to school. Through the use of immunizations and other methods of disease prevention, early colonizers significantly lowered infant mortality.

Politics of discord Until the conquering powers established centralized governments, these governments were non-existent (Colonial Government, n.d.). It was the colonists that drew the political boundaries instead of considering the territorial divisions that existed at the time. Obliged to work together, several ethnic groups that had never functioned together have been forced to do so.. As a result of political boundaries dividing some traditional domains, links between extended families as well as kinsmen were severed.

Colonization by Europeans also brought farming techniques that were more technologically advanced. It wasn’t until the industrialization age that large-scale farming was introduced to the third world that most farming methods were local. More over a quarter of the GDP in most African countries came from agriculture in 2004, according to the World Bank. Africa’s staple foods include maize, millet, sorghum, cassava, and bananas. Coffee, horticulture ventures, tea, and fruits & vegetables are the most commonly exported goods. The colonialists introduced these products to the country, which fostered large-scale cultivation. The farms also provided work for Africans, enhancing their economic well-being in the process.

The European colonizers, however, brought a strong influence on religion on the continent. Religion changed greatly how people lived with each other(Facing History and Ourselves, 2000). It also changed their norms, values, and also their morals. Religion taught society the difference between what is right and what is wrong and this affected the decisions that everyone made in the community. After the introduction of religion, the Europeans established religious institutions such as schools and hospitals which brought a lot of influence in the society. The dominant religious groups had the power to influence the laws and punish those who did wrong in society.

Among the most important contributions of the Europeans was education. Educated Africans were able to better their own country by learning and developing new abilities. Education also given Africans the ability to improve their situation by themselves. Kwame Nkrumah, for example, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and then set out to free Ghana from colonial rule after returning home. Africans gained a variety of abilities as a result of their education, including the ability to develop their own jobs and to compete on the global market.

The European masters’ language was absorbed by the Africans, and this contributed much to the formation of national unity. In Nigeria, for example, there are over 500 different languages. A lack of cohesiveness resulted from each tribe’s belief that their own language was superior. Colonialism in Nigeria led to the adoption of English as a common language throughout the country’s various ethnic groups. Specifically, the economy of a nation begins by unifying its residents, allowing them to work together to build their country. That’s why African nations were able to communicate with each other and develop their nation thanks to the adoption of one common language by colonists.

General modernization and technological improvement were more important contributions of the colonial overlords. The colonisation of Africa had a significant impact on the development of previously undeveloped regions. Ineffective farming methods were replaced with more efficient ones as an example. African countries have benefited greatly from modern healthcare technology, which has reduced mortality rates. Sophisticated railways and roads have been built throughout Africa as a result of colonization.

In conclusion, there is no doubt that colonization played a very important role in bringing development to the African nations. As a result of colonialism, education was established in many African countries which played a major role in developing the African continent. It has also enhanced unity among various tribes and nations enabling them to work together in building their countries and the whole continent at large.


Colonial Government – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.).

Facing History and Ourselves. (2000). Religion in colonial america: Trends, regulations, and beliefs. Facing History and Ourselves.

Matasci, D., Bandeira, M., Hugo, J., & Dores, G. (n.d.). Education and Development in Colonial and Postcolonial Africa.



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