How did Portuguese colonialism affect Angola's and Mozambique's economies?

Portuguese colonialism significantly hindered the development of Angola's and Mozambique's economies, leaving them reliant on single-crop economies.

Portuguese colonialism had a profound impact on the economies of Angola and Mozambique, primarily through the establishment of monoculture economies. In Angola, the Portuguese focused on coffee production, while in Mozambique, they concentrated on cash crops like cotton, tea, and cashew nuts. This focus on single-crop economies made both countries heavily dependent on the international market, leaving them vulnerable to price fluctuations and market downturns.

Moreover, the Portuguese colonial administration did little to develop the infrastructure of these countries. Roads, railways, and ports were built primarily to facilitate the export of cash crops and raw materials to Portugal, rather than to stimulate internal economic development. This lack of infrastructure investment has had long-term effects, hindering economic development even after independence.

The Portuguese also implemented policies that favoured Portuguese settlers and businesses at the expense of the local population. For instance, the best agricultural land was often given to Portuguese settlers, pushing local farmers onto less fertile land and into subsistence farming. This not only exacerbated economic inequality but also stunted the development of a robust domestic agricultural sector.

Furthermore, the Portuguese did little to develop the human capital of these countries. Education was largely neglected, particularly for the African population, resulting in a lack of skilled labour force necessary for economic development. This has had long-lasting effects, with both countries struggling with low literacy rates and a lack of skilled workers even today.

In summary, Portuguese colonialism left Angola and Mozambique with economies that were heavily reliant on single-crop agriculture, poorly developed infrastructure, and a lack of human capital. These factors have continued to hinder economic development in both countries long after the end of colonial rule.