In the mid-20th century, the struggle for independence in Africa against colonial rule was a significant historical milestone. Several African leaders, each with their unique stories of courage and determination, played pivotal roles in securing freedom for their nations from British colonial rule. Let’s embark on a data-driven journey through time and space to explore the decolonization of Africa.
1. Ghana with its capital in Accra endured 90 years of colonization from 1867 before her independence in 1957. Kwame Nkrumah spearheaded the nation’s journey to freedom and also served as its first leader. Ghana landmass spans around 238,533 square kilometers, with a population of 32.83 million from their last census in 2021.
Today, the country has a low gross national income of 2,350 dollars in 2022 and a 64 years life expectancy at birth.
2. Seychelles has Victoria as its capital and it is the smallest country among former African British colonies. It has just 459 square kilometers of land mass serving as the oldest colonized British colony in Africa from 1811 to 1976, a total of 165 years.
The struggle for independence was led by James Mancham and France-Albert René. The country has a population of 97,000 and it also has the highest gross national income in Africa with 14,340 dollars. The country’s economic strength relies on tourism and fisheries, fostering a unique blend of natural beauty and economic vitality.
3. Nigeria has its capital in the city of Abuja. The country spent 76 years under colonial rule and finally achieved independence in 1960 from 1884. Renowned African leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello played pivotal roles in the journey for independence.
Nnamdi Azikiwe assumed the role of Governor-General, heralding a new era. Covering a vast expanse of 923,768 square kilometers, Nigeria now houses over 200 million diverse inhabitants. With a booming economy, it proudly stands as Africa’s second largest economy in 2023. However, it relies too much on imported goods and its gross national income of 2, 140 dollars.
4. South Africa has three branches of government with each having its own capital city. The capital cities are Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Capetwon. The country’s complex history is marked by Dutch colonization, followed by British rule. In 1961, the nation gained independence from the British monarchy; a colonial regime that started in 1806.
Renowned African leaders like Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo have left indelible marks in the country’s struggle for independence. Charles Robberts Swart served as the first President.
With a vast landmass of 1,221,037 square kilometers and a current population of roughly 60 million, South Africa is not only the third largest economy in Africa but it’s also one of the few countries with the highest gross national income of 6,780 dollars.
5. Sierra Leone has its capital in Free Town. The country endured nearly 150 years of colonization before finally gaining its independence in 1961 from 1808. Sir Milton Margai served as both the first leader and a symbol of the country’s journey towards self-governance.
Sierra Leone Covers 71,740 square kilometers and is home to approximately 8 million people. Sierra Leone is one five poorest countries in Africa with a gross national income of 510 dollars.
6. The Gambia has its capital in Banjul. The country was under British Colonial rule for 144 years and finally achieved independence in 1965. Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, the nation’s first leader, championed the struggle for independence.
The country has a modest landmass of 10,689 square kilometers and houses a population of around 2.4 million. The Gambia relies heavily on agriculture for its economic sustenance and it has a relatively low gross national income of 810 dollars.
The Other countries are;
| S/N | Country | Duration of Colonialism | Leader(s) During Independence | Capital City | Landmass | Economy | Population |
| 7. | Kenya | 68 years (1895-1963) | Jomo Kenyatta | Nairobi | 580,367 square kilometers | 2,170 Dollars Gross National Income | Over 54 million people |
| 8. | Tanzania | 42 years (1919-1961) | Julius Nyerere | Dodoma | 945,203 square kilometers | 1,200 Dollars Gross National Income | Over 60 million |
| 9. | Uganda | 68 years (1894-1962) | Milton Obote | Kampala | 241,038 square kilometers | 930 Dollars Gross National Income | Over 42 million |
| 10. | Malawi (formerly Nyasaland) | 72 years (1891-1963) | Hastings Banda | Lilongwe | 118,484 square kilometers | 640 Dollars Gross National Income | 19 million |
| 11. | Zambia (formerly Northern Rhodesia) | 76 years(1888-1964) | Kenneth Kaunda | Lusaka | 752,612 square kilometers | 1,170 Dollars Gross National Income | Over 18 million |
| 12. | Botswana | 81 years(1885-1966) | Sir Seretse Khama | Gaborone | 581,730 square kilometers | 7, 350 Dollars Gross National Income | Over 2.4 million |
| 13. | Lesotho | 98 years(1868-1966) | Sir Seretse Khama | Maseru | 30,355 square kilometers | 1, 260 Dollars Gross National Income | 2.2 Million |
| 14. | Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) | 65 years(1903-1968) | King Sobhuza II | Mbabane and Lobamba | 17,364 square kilometers | 3, 800 Dollars Gross National Income | Over 1.1 Million |
These Commonwealth countries in Africa have experienced various political and economic trajectories since gaining independence. While some have managed to achieve stability and economic growth, others have faced enduring challenges, including political strife, economic hardships, and the legacies of colonialism and conflicts.
Each nation’s unique history and circumstances have shaped its journey post-independence, highlighting the complexities and diversity of the African continent’s political and economic landscape.
