Lugard’s Dual Mandate

Lugard’s Dual Mandate was a concept proposed by Lord Lugard, suggesting that colonial powers had a twofold responsibility in Africa: to develop the colonies economically and administratively, and to improve the welfare of the local populations. Essentially, it emphasized that imperialism should benefit both the colonizers and the colonized people—promoting development while also guiding local societies. This idea was used to justify British rule in Africa, framing it as a mission to bring progress, education, and stability, while also maintaining control and exploiting resources for the benefit of the empire.