Decolonization Policies and Institutions in Africa: A Comparative Historical Approach

After World War II, four major colonizers in Africa – Britain, France, Portugal, and Belgium – chose different decolonization policies. Britain granted gradual independences and transferred their institutions to their colonies. British colonies, however, repealed the British-inspired institutions after independence except Botswana and Mauritius. France provided a choice between a continued association with France or full independence. France, however, did not transfer its institutions to the countries choosing independence. Belgium planned gradual independence, but granted hasty independence when heavy riots granted broke out. Portugal refused the demand for independence and granted independence only after 14 years of colonial war. However, once the guerrilla forces had been controlled, Portugal turned its attention to reforms for development. This paper compares the decolonization policies in Africa and investigates its impact on institutional transfers. Empirical evidence suggests that part of Africa’s weak institutions can be explained by the different decolonization processes and their consequences.