The Cage of Sovereignty: Limited autonomy and development outcomes in postcolonial Africa

This research presents an innovative viewpoint on the political economy of postcolonial Africa during the period from 1960 to 1979, employing a comparative historical analysis of Ghana, Algeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This work presents the notion of limited developmental autonomy as a framework aimed at reconciling the enduring divide between agency and structure found in current scholarly discourse. Through the synthesis of archival research, economic data, and interviews with influential figures, this study elucidates that, notwithstanding the ideological disparities among socialist, liberal, and populist regimes, a notable convergence is observed. An initial phase of growth characterises this convergence, which subsequently gives way to structural vulnerabilities. The ideological frameworks of leadership significantly shaped initial strategies and alliances; however, the persistent financial legacies of colonialism and reliance on commodities ultimately limited the prospects for sustainable outcomes. This study integrates ideological frameworks with structural limitations to formulate a comprehensive explanatory model, offering policy suggestions aimed at promoting structural transformation in Africa that transcends ideological boundaries. The research employs a mixed-method approach, synthesising data from diverse sources such as national archives, UN economic reports, World Bank memos, and elite interviews carried out in the years 2024–2025. The examination reveals a persistent pattern in which development initiatives, motivated by ideological considerations, faced challenges posed by colonial-era fiscal frameworks, fluctuations in commodity markets, and fragile institutional structures. Deep-seated economic vulnerabilities ultimately eclipsed the ephemeral benefits that resulted from this interplay. The findings highlight the primacy of institutional capacity in relation to ideology, revealing a pervasive challenge concerning resource dependence and the impact of external influences on sovereignty. The research underscores the necessity of implementing policies that foster economic diversification, advocate for merit-based administrative reforms, secure strategic external financing, and promote green industrial policy, all aimed at bolstering Africa’s developmental autonomy and resilience within the context of a globalised economy.

postcolonial Africa, economic development, ideology, nation-building, Ghana, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, Angola, bounded autonomy