Socialism and economic development in tropical Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this article is limited, as, at the present stage of the debate, we can merely hope to raise some neglected questions, juxtaposing them with the theory and praxis of African socialist. The fuller elaboration of a socialist strategy, on the other hand, can only emerge at a more advanced stage of debate and research. In section I we examine the relationship between current class formation in tropical Africa and economic development, focusing on the involvement of international capitalism in the area and on the emergence of what we shall define as the labor aristocracy of tropical Africa. In section II we shall look, first, a t the ideology of 'African socialism and, secondly, at the policies of African socialists, subjecting bath theory and praxis to careful critique. From this exercise the reader should gain a broader perspective on the problem of socialism in contemporary Africa; we shall conclude with some brief remarks on the future course of socialist debate and strategy in Africa, making some reference to the Tanzanian experience (section III).