What was the dual mandate in Africa?

The dual mandate in Africa, articulated by British colonial administrator Lord Lugard, referred to the idea that colonial powers had a responsibility to govern their colonies while also promoting the development and welfare of the local populations. This concept aimed to justify colonial rule by balancing economic exploitation with the purported benefits of modernization and civilizing missions. However, in practice, it often led to the prioritization of colonial interests over genuine local development, resulting in exploitation and significant social and economic inequalities.