It is appalling that some cultures have not yet caught up with the rest of the world. These people do not have that many choices. Lack of education is the main reason why people are oppressed because they may not even be informed or educated about the fact that they are oppressed. But by and large, it is the leaders of these people that are grossly misinformed and misguided for not knowing and realizing that allowing their people to remain ignorant about the full extent of their oppression only backfires, hence, their poverty and despondency.

There is no reason to believe in such a theory. One of the reasons may be slave trade, but if you studied African history, even African tribes kept slaves by 'winning over' other tribes.

I tend to agree with Grace B when she says that it is appalling that some cultures have not yet caught up with the rest of the world. These people do not have that many choices.

The real answer to the particular question of Africa failing to catch up with the rest of the world might like in the thoughts and beliefs of James Watson, a Nobel Prize winner for his part in the unravelling of DNA who now runs one of America's leading scientific research institutions. He said that genetics suggests that Africans are less evolved mentally than Europeans and raked up a controversy. But this is entirely possible.

Totally agree with the research. The European slave runners especially Portugal and Spain are the main culprits of this misery in Africa. They along with their biggest trade customers United States owe an apology and also economic compensation to the nations who are poor, diseased, backward and in bloody conflicts in Africa.

The first point raised is debatable. Asian countries, like India and China, too have seen slavery (or glorified slavery), but this colonial legacy have only spurred them to strive harder to make their place in the world. It seems African countries are yet to come out of the ’slave’ mindset.

The biggest impediment to the development of Africa countries is the tribal society. Infighting amongst different tribes has been the perennial bane of Africa.

Recent events in Kenya and Nigeria only validate the point. Tribal strife has ruined the Kenyan economy which was only a few months back being touted as an African success story.

Unless Africa leaders find a way to reconcile the differences amongst different tribes and forge a national identity which is above tribal identiies, Africa will languish in the quagmire.

Sadly, few leaders seem to have that stature and wisdom.

Of course slavery and the general treatment by the white man is a major contributing factor! Every day you can see how the inferiority complex is still there!!