One way in which non-African events may have dictated the timing of states achieving their independence in Africa is through the Cold War. The Cold War was a geopolitical conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States, and their respective allies, that lasted from the end of World War II until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. During this period, the two superpowers competed for influence and control over other countries around the world, including many newly independent African states.
The Cold War had a significant impact on African decolonization and independence movements. The Soviet Union and its allies supported anti-colonial movements in Africa, providing them with financial aid, military equipment, and ideological support. The United States and its allies, on the other hand, supported colonial powers like France and Portugal, who were trying to maintain their control over their African colonies.
This support from the superpowers had a direct impact on the timing of independence for many African states. For example, in Angola, the Soviet Union provided military aid to the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which helped them win a civil war against other anti-colonial groups supported by the United States. This conflict delayed Angola's independence until 1975.