Decolonization did not lead countries to substantially better economic conditions because?

Decolonization, while a significant political achievement for many nations, often did not translate into markedly improved economic conditions for a few key reasons. One primary factor is that many former colonies lacked diversified economies. During colonial rule, these regions were typically structured to serve the needs of the colonizing powers, often focusing on the export of a few primary commodities rather than developing a broad range of industries. This lack of economic diversification made them vulnerable to fluctuations in global markets and hindered sustainable economic growth post-independence.

Additionally, the exodus of experienced individuals, such as professionals and skilled workers, further complicated the situation. After decolonization, many of these individuals left for better opportunities in developed countries or remained deeply disillusioned with the challenges facing their new nations. The loss of human capital impeded development efforts, reducing the ability of these nations to build effective governance structures and innovate economically.

Together, these factors created a challenging environment for newly independent nations, leading to stagnant or declining economic conditions in the years following decolonization. Therefore, the assertion that both the lack of diversified economies and the departure of experienced individuals contributed to poor economic outcomes is accurate and highlights the complexities of the post-colonial economic landscape.