Can Past Glories be Traps for Development?

Kofi Annan, the previous secretary general of the UN, argues that past glory steeped Africans from yearning for future developments (Ethiopian Herald, 13 June 2010). Does past glory hinder from building evolutionary capital? In my view, past glory cannot be a major reason for African backwardness. Instead, it can serve as springboard to jump to the next new step.

I learnt in my University that before 60 years, Japan was copying economic model from Ethiopia. Before 60 years, China was poor country and also others which are now categorized as emerging economies. What matters for development is leadership. Unfortunately Africa has no forward looking leaders that can motivate and mobilize people for work, creativity and innovation. The fate of a nation is determined by its leader and that is undeniable.

Of course past glory might have certain impact in building evolutionary capital. For example, Africans are thought as they are the origin of mankind with glorious kingdoms like the Sheba, the Pharaohs, the Nubia, etc and leaders may wish to form such kingdoms possessing power for long periods and this question is always the main cause of conflict in Africa. But yet this can never be the main reason for Africa’s backwardness. Therefore, the main cause for Africa’s backwardness is lack of good governance and leadership.