Lecture I & II fundamental aims of African development: summer school for African University students

Abstract

One of the most remarkable developments in Africa is the growing determination of the governments of African countries to seek better material standards of living for their people. In almost all parts of Africa, there is a new realization of the possibility and desirability of economic progress. The old passivity, the resignation to the forces of fate, is quietly giving way to the feeling that poverty is a disease that should be cured. This burst of energy and enthusiasm has been released by the progress towards national self-government. At the end of the war there were just four independent states in Africa. Today the number probably runs to about 36. The yeast of the newly-won political independence has been a motivating force, encouraging governments to introduce new ways of increasing the material standard of living of their people. Economic development has become not only a political catch phrase but a positive goal, though vaguely defined, which African political leaders must strive for if they wish to remain in power. Summarily, the major aim of economic development accelerated growth of income and output is likely to conflict at some points with other major social objectives; These conflicts should be recognized. Efforts should be made to reconcile these objectives within the limits of resources available, and yet at the same time adhere to the aim of raising the standard of living of the people quickly.