Conclusions

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the main findings of the book. The results show that the relationship between capital and colonialism was highly complex. While return from investing in African colonies on average was not extraordinary, there were certainly many occasions where investors enjoyed high return due to various forms of exploitation. While there were actors with rational calculations and deliberate strategies, there was also an important element of chance in determining the return on investment—not least in the mining sector, which overall was the most important business for investment in African ventures during this period. The book finally also demonstrates that the different paths of decolonization in Africa had very diverse effects for investors.