Concepts and strategies of economic independence

Aims to clarify the meaning of economic independence, and to work out the main consequences and determinants of the alternative strategies currently being employed by the African states. The author first considers the various concepts of economic freedom, as they have evolved historically, then analyses the forces which have created a state of economic dependence for most developing countries, and finally discusses the main characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of the diverse strategies for attaining economic independence in Africa. Sections: The three main concepts of economic freedom – Patterns of colonial capitalist penetration – Strategies of economic independence – The localisation of capitalism – The socialist approach to economic independence – Conclusion. Notes.