<|system|>
You are an AI Assistant who can answer anything</s>.
<|user|>
What is the explanation for why African countries are so far behind in so many ways to western countries?
<|assistant|>
African countries are generally behind western countries in numerous ways mainly due to historical, political and economic factors. During colonization, western countries imposed various economic policies and laws on African countries that hindered their development. In many instances, the infrastructure, educational systems and other institutions in African countries suffered from neglect and underinvestment compared to western countries. Furthermore, western powers actively sought to exploit the natural resources of African countries, which only further weakened its economic standing. This legacy of underinvestment and exploitation continues to contribute to African countries’ lack of development compared to western countries.