eli5:why is Africa generally poor compared to the rest of the world.

Question

Africa has a lot of natural resources but has always relied on foreign aid. Nonetheless has famine, poor road network, poor Healthcare etc. Please explain.

In: 2392

Answer 1

Some cultures thrive, others don’t.

Africa hasn’t had a culture of scientific and technological pursuit that has allowed it to thrive and pursue industrialization the same way Europe has. And once you fall behind, all you can do is play catch-up. That’s why modern African states are simply relics of the colonial era where bribery and corruption run rampant and the resources are being pilfered by unscrupulous foreign companies.