Answer:
Mobutu Sese Seko was the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly known as Zaire, from 1965 to 1997. His policies had a significant impact on the economic development of the country during the 1960s and 1970s.
In the early years of his presidency, Mobutu nationalized the mining industry, which had previously been controlled by foreign companies. This move allowed the government to take control of the country's natural resources and use the profits to invest in infrastructure and development projects. The nationalization policy was successful in generating revenue for the government, and by 1970, the Congo was one of the largest producers of copper and cobalt in the world.
Another key policy of Mobutu's was his focus on Africanization, which aimed to promote African values and traditions in the country. This included the promotion of local businesses and industries, which were seen as a way to reduce the country's dependence on foreign aid and investment. As a result, Mobutu introduced policies that encouraged the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, which helped to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
However, despite these positive developments, Mobutu's policies were also characterized by corruption and mismanagement. The nationalization of the mining industry, for example, led to the creation of state-owned companies that were rife with corruption and inefficiency. In addition, Mobutu's focus on Africanization often meant that he ignored the need for skilled foreign workers and expertise, which limited the country's ability to modernize and compete in the global economy.
Overall, Mobutu's policies had both positive and negative impacts on the economic development of the Congo between 1960 and 1970. While they helped to promote local businesses and generate revenue from natural resources, corruption and mismanagement undermined the long-term sustainability of these policies. Additionally, Mobutu's focus on Africanization often came at the expense of modernization and innovation, which limited the country's ability to compete globally.