Final answer:
W. E. B. Du Bois contributed to the achievement of independence in Africa by advocating for Pan-Africanism, which played a crucial role in the decolonization movements across the continent.
Step-by-step explanation:
One significant contribution made by W. E. B. Du Bois towards the achievement of independence in Africa was his advocacy for Pan-Africanism. Du Bois, an eminent sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist, actively fought against colonialism and encouraged Africans to unite in support of their own interests. He promoted this ideology that insisted on the unity of all African peoples, regardless of national boundaries. Du Bois's vision involved the elevation of African cultures and literature, and it laid the intellectual foundation for the subsequent decolonization movements across Africa. His involvement with several Pan-African Congresses aimed to address and challenge the issues brought about by colonialism and to galvanize support for African self-governance and independence.