Decolonization in Africa was the process by which African nations gained independence from European colonial rule, primarily occurring after World War II.

World War II weakened the European colonial powers both economically and morally.

The war also exposed many African soldiers to ideas of freedom and self-determination.

A new generation of educated African nationalist leaders emerged, such as Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya.

The path to independence varied across the continent.

Some transitions were peaceful and negotiated, as was the case in Ghana, which became the first sub-Saharan African colony to gain independence in 1957.

Other struggles were violent and prolonged, such as the wars in Algeria and Kenya.

The year 1960 is known as the 'Year of Africa,' as 17 African nations gained independence.

Newly independent nations often faced immense challenges, including political instability, economic underdevelopment, and internal ethnic conflicts exacerbated by arbitrary colonial borders.

The process of decolonization fundamentally reshaped the political map of the world.