How did the Partition of Africa impact the transportation infrastructure in African countries?

History The Partition Of Africa Questions



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How did the Partition of Africa impact the transportation infrastructure in African countries?

The Partition of Africa had a significant impact on the transportation infrastructure in African countries. European powers divided Africa into colonies and territories, often disregarding existing tribal boundaries and traditional trade routes. This led to the construction of new transportation networks, such as railways and roads, primarily designed to facilitate the extraction and exportation of Africa's natural resources to Europe. These new transportation systems were primarily built to connect the interior regions to coastal ports, enabling the efficient transportation of goods to European markets. However, the focus on resource extraction and exportation meant that transportation infrastructure within African countries was often underdeveloped, with limited connectivity between regions and a lack of investment in local transportation needs. This legacy continues to impact African countries today, as they struggle with inadequate transportation networks and limited access to markets and services within their own territories.