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Explaining the transition from forced to free labour in colonial Angola’s diamond mines

2024; University of Barcelona; Volume: 33; Issue: 92 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1344/rhiihr.44588

2385-3247

L. Dolan,

Colonialism, slavery, and trade

This paper examines the evolution of coercive labour institutions in Portuguese Africa through a detailed case study of Companhia de Diamantes de Angola (Diamang), one of the region’s most significant colonial enterprises. Utilising a theoretical economic model, the study delves into the persistence of these extractive practices and their eventual transformation into more inclusive, market-driven systems. By charting Diamang’s historical trajectory, the paper explores how this deeply entrenched system transitioned from coercive labour to a free-market system, catalysed by significant socio-political changes such as the abrupt independence of neighbouring countries, domestic unrest and international pressures. The model provides new insights into the historical dominance of coercive labour institutions and reveals how external shocks can precipitate rapid institutional change. Ultimately, this study enhances our understanding of colonial labour market dynamics and highlights the evolving nature of extractive practices within economic history, with specific reference to the understudied case of the Portuguese colonial empire.