Research Article
The Politics of Resource Governance in Post-Colonial Africa
Lofane Peter Nicholas*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
22-32
Received:
9 June 2026
Accepted:
22 June 2026
Published:
13 November 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsqa.20261202.11
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Abstract: In this article, I explore the dynamics of resource governance in post-colonial Africa, and how political processes, institutional frameworks, and historical legacies have determined the ownership, control and distribution of natural resources across the continent. After independence, African states were handed extractive economies that were structured specifically to aid colonial powers and inherited governance structures that were not yet well-suited for equitable, sustainable resource management. The post-colonial era saw resource governance becoming deeply intertwined with patrimonialism, elite capture, and corruption, with governments attempting to retain wealth through controlling lucrative resource rents. Often this process led to the misuse of natural resources, deepening economic inequality and weakening democratic accountability. So the article stresses that the resource curse which leads to economic stagnation coupled with weak institutions, as well as violent conflict has been endemic in many African countries. In such states, their natural resource wealth largely drives rent-seeking behavior and further perpetuates political instability, rather than economic growth or development. People living in regions where the resources are extracted have experienced ongoing displacement, environmental degradation, marginalization and exclusion from decision-making processes, reinforcing social grudges within and the increasing risk of violent conflict. By examining the relationship between political power and governance, this article adds to a growing discourse on political economy of development in Africa. It also looks into the possibilities for reform and highlights both transparency initiatives and community participatory mechanisms as important measures for the betterment of governance and ensuring that the wealth generated from natural resources benefits all sectors of society.
Abstract: In this article, I explore the dynamics of resource governance in post-colonial Africa, and how political processes, institutional frameworks, and historical legacies have determined the ownership, control and distribution of natural resources across the continent. After independence, African states were handed extractive economies that were struct...
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