Affect of colonization in Africa?

Introduction

Colonial Africa has left a lasting impact on the continent, with many of its effects still felt today. While most African nations have gained independence, there are still some territories that remain under various forms of external control or influence.

Current Non-Self-Governing Territories

As of 2025, there are 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories recognized by the United Nations, of which several are in Africa or associated with the continent

Western Sahara

Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (British overseas territory)

These territories are still considered to be under some form of colonial administration, though their specific situations vary.

Other Territories with Disputed Status

While not officially listed as Non-Self-Governing Territories, some areas have complex political situations related to their colonial past

Ceuta and Melilla (Spanish enclaves in North Africa)

Mayotte (French overseas department, claimed by Comoros)

Réunion (French overseas department)

Lingering Colonial Influences

Although most African countries are now independent, many still grapple with the legacy of colonialism:

Economic Dependencies

Many African nations remain economically tied to their former colonial powers through trade agreements, monetary policies, and resource extraction.

Political Structures

Some countries still operate under political systems inherited from colonial times, which may not always align with traditional governance structures.

Cultural and Linguistic Impacts

The use of European languages as official languages and the influence of Western education systems continue to shape many African societies.

Borders and Conflicts

Arbitrary colonial borders have led to ongoing conflicts and disputes in various parts of Africa.

Efforts Towards Complete Decolonization

The United Nations and various international bodies continue to work towards complete decolonization:

The UN Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24) regularly reviews the situation of Non-Self-Governing Territories.

There are ongoing discussions about reparations and addressing the historical debt of colonial powers.

Some former colonial powers, like Germany, have begun to acknowledge and apologize for past colonial atrocities.

Conclusion

While outright colonialism has largely ended in Africa, its effects continue to shape the continent’s political, economic, and social landscape. The process of fully addressing and overcoming this legacy remains an ongoing challenge for many African nations and the international community.