The African-style of governing and continuing problems with corruption also greatly hinder growth. After gaining independence, a number of African countries like Zambia and Tanzania, firmly believed in socialism, an ideology that was rather popular throughout Europe during this time. As a result, the government owned most businesses enterprises, and there was distrust in foreign investment and the private sector. Even in initially capitalist countries like Kenya, the government began to eventually control economic operations. This had significant consequences to development because sole government ownership of an economy has historically been proven to be very difficult to institute and maintain. These problems were further complicated with the continuing issue of government corruption and a lack of discipline. Dictators and tyrants often ran African countries, and these individuals were most concerned with improving their own bank accounts, as opposed to improving the lives of their impoverished peoples. Tyrants such as Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere and Zambia’s Kenneth Kaunda ran their countries’ economies into the ground. Combining the socialist ideology with corrupt leaders proved to be deadly and paralyzing to African development. Conversely, Asian governments had a completely different outlook towards their countries and economies. Most countries were run using the ideology of state-centered capitalism. This system provided that the government could intervene in the economy, but in a positive way, supporting large corporations, and negotiating and settling economic disputes. East Asia was also able to open up trading relations with economic powerhouses like the United States because of similar capitalistic beliefs, and the joint effort to thwart communism from the Asian regions. This was instrumental to improving life in Asia. However, like Africa, East Asia does have government corruption. In Thailand, politicians and military officials are often involved in the black market and illegal activities. Yet, this corruption has not hurt economic growth and ironically seems to encourage development. According to a Western economist in Nigeria:
“In Indonesia, the president’s daughter might get the contract to build the toll roads, but the roads do get build and they do facilitate traffic flow. This sort of corruption is productive corruption as opposed to malignant corruption.” Therefore, there is a large difference between Asian and African corruption: in Asia the corruption has not hurt growth and in some instances has promoted it, whereas in Africa the corruption has severely impeded economic growth and remains a significant reason why this continent has slipped into disparity.
Although European colonization occurred in both Africa and Asia, colonial patterns and its consequential effects were vastly different. European colonialism in Africa eventually eliminated African traditions and instituted the European method of governing. As a result, African autocrats were substituted for ‘white’ colonial governors, developing dictatorships with a strong bureaucracy that was adamant on eliminating the very essence of African culture. Unfortunately, these values are prevalent in recent times, causing chaos amongst the African people. Individuals do not feel obligated or loyal to the national government, but rather acknowledge that their real obligation is to providing for the extended family or tribe. Therefore, the income earner of the family devotes the money to housing, food and educating his/her relatives. This exhausts limited funds, resulting in increasing income inequality, where the majority of the population is situated in the lower class, while government officials and the bureaucracy are far better off. In Asia, however, European colonialism never managed to disrupt or eliminate the historical traditions. For example, the ancient tradition of Confucianism is widespread throughout Eastern Asia. It promotes a disciplined work ethic, reinforces the importance of education, and encourages the development of a stable political system. This type of ancient tradition has provided the framework for economic development in Asia, while the unsuccessful colonial ideologies implemented in Africa and the eradication of cultural traditions have increased poverty and stunted growth.
Upon gaining independence in the post-colonial era, Africa and Asia have taken completely alternate routes in development. Asia successfully controlled its debt and diversified its economy; Africa’s debt continually grows and national economies are dependent on one specific good or service. Asia is predominately capitalist and has used government corruption to actually improve the economy; Africa is governed by tyrants and dictators in a socialist system, and corruption has increased income inequality and poverty. Lastly, colonialism in Asia did not eradicate ancient traditions like Confucianism; in Africa, European colonialism set out and successfully destroyed African culture, replacing it with the values and beliefs of European countries. Because of the distinct differences between these two continents in terms of development, Asia has grown into a viable and powerful economic area, whereas Africa continues to fall into despair. If there is any hope of improving life in Africa, a complete reworking of the governing structure must begin. It is impossible for an economy to run successfully when the authorities remain completely oblivious and ignorant to the needs of the people. The African people do not deserve the endless suffering and pain that they have endured, they have the right to be living in a comfortable and developing environment.
