ABSTRACT
At the time of independence on the African continent, development was largely connected to a process of nation-building. Political parties at the time were often named to reflect this process, for example the Kenya African National Union, the Tanganyika African National Union, the Zimbabwe African National Union, the African National Congress, and the United National Independence Party. This chapter discusses that 'power' will be understood as the direct or indirect ability to exercise a certain influence. It explores the African state is now supposed to be a minimalist, but at the same time transparent, 'provider' for the market. In Africa the issues of regional distribution of modern development are strongly linked to what is often referred to as 'tribalism'. A look at the map of Africa shows many national peculiarities, indications of the external colonial influence upon the continent. Cross-border activities have also involved the smuggling of agricultural produce, such as coffee in the case of East Africa.
