The confluence and conflicts of international political and economic interest has a strong bearing on the current state of affairs.
Africa has made more progress politically than economically. More democracy but less economic freedom. From the records, 1970-1980 was the best decade economically for the continent. Sadly, serious, steady decline fueled by widespread corruption set in thereafter.
No excuse for the inept, greedy, illiterate, African helmsmen but isn't Corruption is a two way street! Takes two to successfully, tango. Help is too far away when the object is too loot. Is it mainly because the Kleptomaniacs running the continent have been lured by their conniving foreign allies to mount up huge surreptitious national debts only for the cash to end up in some "secure" banks in the G8 and OECD countries? Just like the much publicized aid ( or more correct the 'bait') to Africa.
No doubt, The African leadership has been tragically myopic, but you'd expect some sort of moral high ground from " developed societies". Or are we to expect that there is no morality where money is involved