The industrial revolution provides the strategic framework for the transformation of human society from an agrarian rural society to a liberal mode of production characterized by advanced industrial process, technology, urbanization and flow of capital across borders. Therefore, this study seeks to analyse the effects of British industrial revolution on modern African states, its economy and politics; taking into consideration the benefits and perceived contradictions in Africa. The outcome of the research reveals that although British industrial revolution advanced the course of imperialism, colonialism and exploitation of African resources, it also positively expanded the values of capitalism into African economy and created new states, political processes and culture in Africa. The human resources taken from Africa contributed to the development of capitalist industrial revolution in Europe, since African slaves provided the cheap labour and human strength that accelarated the revolutionary process. The multiplier effect of the revolution created an unequal trade relationship between Africa and European states, which in modern times has reduced Africa states to producers of raw materials and primary products for use by industries in Europe. This web of unequal trade relations has become one of the key variables that undermine Africa's development and economy.