Nationalist activities developed earlier in British West Africa than in French West Africa because

The reason why nationalist activities developed earlier in British West Africa than in French West Africa was due to the systems of administration adopted by the colonial powers. The British had a more indirect approach to administration, allowing for more local autonomy and gradual development of African leadership. On the other hand, the French had a more direct and centralized approach, exerting more control over their colonies and suppressing African leadership. This led to a slower development of nationalist sentiment in French West Africa compared to British West Africa.