Published Paper Details:

Abstract The paper examined the African States and the understanding of development and underdevelopment. With dependency theory, the paper noted that the nature and character of the State which was bequeathed by African colonialist, with poor development of productive forces, labour power, objects of labour and means of labour with corresponding poor social relations of production coupled with negative role of Africans, both leadership and followership after independence is central to the understanding of development and underdevelopment of States in Africa.. The paper recommended among other things, development of States, the leadership role of states in establishing the framework of economic strategy, and the collaboration between the States, state enterprises and commercial companies as a road to development. Corruption and bad governance must be drastically reduced if not completely eradicated through the installation of a visionary, honest and democratic leadership. This kind of leadership is achievable through free, fair and credible elections.