How did colonialism contribute to economic disparities in colonized regions?

Colonialism created economic disparities in colonized regions by exploiting local resources and labor for the benefit of the colonizers. When European powers took control of these areas, they often focused on extracting valuable materials, like gold or rubber, while ignoring the needs of the local population. For example, in the Congo, the Belgian colonizers forced local people to harvest rubber, leading to severe suffering and little benefit for the community. This one-sided focus on extraction left many regions economically dependent and underdeveloped after independence. As a result, these areas often struggled to build their economies and provide for their citizens, leading to long-lasting inequalities.