Imperialism in Africa left a profound legacy that continues to impact the continent today. The political instability that accompanied colonial rule has had a lasting effect on African nations. European powers often drew arbitrary borders, dividing ethnic groups and disregarding existing cultural and linguistic ties. This has resulted in enduring conflicts and struggles for power and resources within states. Examples of such conflicts include the ethnic tensions in Rwanda leading to the genocide in 1994 and the ongoing civil war in South Sudan.

Economically, Africa was heavily exploited under colonial rule. European powers extracted vast amounts of natural resources without adequate compensation, leaving many African nations impoverished and dependent on the export of raw materials. The legacy of economic exploitation can still be seen in the unequal distribution of wealth and resources throughout Africa. For instance, multinational corporations continue to exploit African mineral resources such as coltan in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Culturally, imperialism had a profound impact on African societies. European powers imposed their own cultural values, education systems, and languages upon the African population. This led to the marginalization and erasure of indigenous cultures and languages. Today, many African nations still grapple with the preservation and revitalization of their cultural heritage in the face of ongoing globalization and Western influence.