Portuguese colonialism, capitalism and the Angolan coffee industry, 1850-1950

Abstract

This is a study of the forces which determined the development of the Angolan coffee industry between 1850-1950. It analyses the extent to which the coffee industry dominated the Angolan economy and influenced the nature of Portuguese colonialism and capitalism. The transition from the slave trade dominated economy to one based on commodity production is examined. It explores how the process of primitive accumulation was intricately interwoven with slaving practices in the colonial enclave of Kwanza North. The explanation for the draconian labour practices in Angola has invariably been low capitalisation, however, the findings of this study disputes this view.

This study traces the process of capital formation from the small investments of traders to the complex process of capital integration through mergers, take-overs and interlocking share holdings and director ships. The rise of corporate power and business concentration in the coffee industry re fleet a high degree of sophistication of capitalist development in Angola which has been underrated. While private capital stimulated the transformation of the industry, it failed to provide a coordinated marketing system and credit facilities. The formation of by the state and its successes in overcoming these obstacles is examined. The complex set of conflicts generated by the development of the industry, which culminated in the outbreak of the liberation war in March 1961, are examined.