<infobox>
<title source="title1"> <default>African Socialism</default> </title> <image source="image1">
</image> <label>Label</label> <label>Label</label> </infobox> African Socialism refers to a political philosophy that existed throughout the second half of the 20th century across Africa. Common features of African Socialism include:
- Economic development guided by the state
- A strong, pan-African identity and the condemnation of colonialism
- Centered around a strongman
- Low levels of civil liberties
African Socialism was practiced by 21 states (out of 52 states) or 40% of the continent. Although starting with good intentions, it largely failed due to the combined influence of the US and USSR in their efforts to manipulate Africa in the Cold War. Most African Socialist States failed economically and were wiped out by revolutions, civil wars, coups and foreign manipulation. 62% of African Socialist States collapsed during the Revolutions of 1986 - 1995.
Variants
Ujamaa
Ubuntu
Harambee
African Socialist States
Algeria
From 1962 to 1988
Angola
From 1975 to 1991
Benin
From 1975 to 1990
Burkina Faso
From 1983 to 1987, Burkina Faso practiced African Socialism led by Thomas Sankara. The government had highly successful land reform, rail and road development, construction of hundreds of new medical clinics, mass reforestation, vaccinating millions, ending neo-colonial influence over the country, expanding women's rights massively and increasing agricultural production by 250%. However, his failures came from his repression of unions, failure to raise literacy and his murder in a military coup backed mainly by France and the USA.[1]
Cape Verde
From 1975 to 1990
Congo
From 1969 to 1991
Egypt
From 1952 to 1970
Ethiopia
From 1974 to 1987
Ghana
From 1957 to 1966
Guinea
From 1958 to 1984
Libya
From 1969 to 2011
Madagascar
From 1975 to 1992
Mali
From 1960 to 1968, Mali practiced African Socialism led by Modibo Keïta.
Mozambique
From 1975 to 1990
Senegal
From 1960 to 1980
Seychelles
From 1977 to 2004
Somalia
From 1969 to 1991
Sudan
From 1969 to 1985
Tanzania
From 1964 to 1985
Zambia
From 1964 to 1991
Zimbabwe
From 1980 to 2017
Libertarian Socialism in Africa
Libertarian Socialism also became increasingly popular in Egypt after the Arab Spring.