Our former colonisers, the Europeans, often claim to be Africa’s allies and friends. Indeed, they offer us aid for roads, schools, and hospitals.
But as a Ugandan, I see them as exploiters, not friends. Through neocolonialism, they keep Africa poor while profiting from our resources.
For the uninitiated, neocolonialism replaced direct colonial rule after the 1960s. European powers once invaded Africa, drew borders, and stole wealth. Now, they use loans, aid, and companies to maintain influence. Kwame Nkrumah called it “the last stage of imperialism.” Africa, rich in gold, oil, diamonds, and cobalt, is their resource hub, while we get scraps.
European aid, often celebrated, comes with conditions. The EU’s €35 million for West African crises sounds generous, but aid pushes African governments to favour European goods or policies. In 2024, Europe cut €4.8 billion in long-term African funding, showing unreliable support. Meanwhile, foreign firms extract our minerals, sending profits abroad. It’s giving a pittance while taking a fortune.
Why?
Africa’s minerals fuel Europe’s economies. Cobalt, uranium, and lithium power their cars, phones, and energy. Historically, the 1884 Berlin Conference carved up Africa. Today, proxy wars, military bases, and unfair deals keep us weak.
Consider these examples:
France controls the CFA franc, used in 14 African countries, tying it to the euro and holding our reserves in Paris. This limits our economic freedom. In Niger, a French firm, Orano, mines uranium cheaply, powering France, while Niger has under 20% electricity access. Locals face polluted water and poverty. When Niger expelled French troops in 2023, France cut aid. This isn’t an alliance—it’s exploitation.
British firms like Shell in Nigeria extract oil, earning $20 billion yearly, while oil spills ruin the Niger Delta. In Zimbabwe, UK companies like Anglo American mine diamonds and lithium, but workers face dangerous conditions for low pay. Britain’s £1.09 billion mining investment in 2024 prioritises its green tech needs, not African development. Aid is a mask for resource grabs.
Belgium’s colonial past in Congo was brutal, and today, firms like Glencore exploit cobalt—70% of the global supply. Miners, including children, work in hazardous conditions for pennies. Belgium’s EU aid is dwarfed by the wealth extracted. Mineral conflicts fuel wars, with foreign-backed groups destabilising Congo.
Europe uses Africa as a geopolitical chessboard. France’s Sahel bases secure resources under the guise of fighting terrorism. Britain and others push “green” mining while ignoring environmental and human rights abuses. They compete with China and Russia, using aid to fund projects that benefit their firms, like ports for mineral exports. African attempts to process minerals locally face European pushback.
Why this double standard? Europe’s economies need our resources. Without cobalt or uranium, their industries falter. But an empowered Africa threatens their dominance. Neocolonialism—through artificial borders, propped-up leaders, and unpayable debts—keeps us divided.
In Uganda, we see this in oil deals with foreign firms or aid that funds NGOs, but not growth. African leaders must unite through the African Union, renegotiate contracts, tax resources fairly, and invest in local industries, education, and technology. We need partners who respect our sovereignty, not exploiters.
So, Europe’s former colonisers aren’t allies. They profit from our wealth while offering token aid. Africa must reject this and build a future for Africans. Only then will we prosper.
The writer is a Ugandan journalist with a passion for current African affairs.
adamkungu7@gmail.com