July 19 1912

It has been more than 20 years since the British have arrived and little has changed. We are not getting anymore glimpses of the modern future and economic policies these days have little to do with us other than us slogging our lives out only for the benefit for the colonial powers. Policies undertaken are all Eurocentric in nature, meaning all the benefits considered are all for the European's higher standard of living. Africans like us hardly gain benefits from the policies. I feel that this is disappointing considering the Europeans had promised us great incentives prior to the control of our nation. For example, the British imposed tariffs and high taxes on goods from other countries so as to ensure monopoly of the market. By restricting the technological advancement and manufacturing skill of African state, Europe created a vast market for European manufacture good because Africa virtually produced no manufacture good and had to rely upon Europe supplies. This ensured that we were unable to become self-reliant and had to rely on Europe supplies in order for survival. The profit earned mainly went into colonial powers’ economy reserve, and we,Africans, benefit very little from expansion or modernisation of trade. The Christian missionaries that have appeared in Africa have also prevented progress of tribal groups and also caused cultural roots to be shaken.

I am thoroughly disappointed with the Europeans for them unwilling to share with us their superior technological advantage and also the fruits of our labour. The incentives that were promised were never reached for most of them and this caused a false sense of optimism of the future with the Europeans at the helm at the beginning. Even though the Europeans have restructured our political system into a more democratic one, I feel that this detrimental effects completely outweighed the meagre benefits that we receive. Should I have a choice to decide to allow the Europeans into the country again, I am adamant that for this time, I would firmly reject for anything to do with the Europeans ever again.