There are few objectives considered more compelling by developing countries than the need to attain their economic freedom. Throughout the Third World, from Bolivia and Botswana to Burma, few themes arouse such mass enthusiasm as the clarion call to economic independence. However, despite its potency in shaping many national goals and policies, very little intellectual effort has been expended in analysing the concept and exploring its ramifications in the realms of politics, economics, or sociology.

The tremendous increase in contacts that has taken place in recent years between African universities and universities in Europe and America has thrown up a number of common problems in the fields of joint research schemes and recruitment. It was to discuss these problems that the Centre of African Studies, Edinburgh University, in association with the U.K. Ministry of Overseas Development, convened a conference, attended by about 100 delegates, representing British universities (mainly from Scotland and the north of England), the Ministry of Overseas Development, and universities in English-speaking African countries.

The attainment of independence by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania has posed new and perplexing problems for the 360,000 Asians settled in these countries.1 They have to adapt themselves to new political régimes, which are determined to carry out far-reaching changes in the traditional roles of the different races in East Africa. In order to understand fully the complexity and magnitude of the problems faced by the Asian community in East Africa, it is essential to contrast the colonial pattern of race relations with that envisaged by the new African leaders.