How is intelligence not relevant? Did you read the Rindermann paper above? It is a crucial factor in terms of macro-economic and social outcomes.
Again, the OP asked whether Africa "*still be a basket case even if it was never colonized? * . I’m suggesting that it probably would have had problems regardless of colonialism. If you feel differently set out how you consider Africa would be without colonialism. There is no need to get snotty about Rindermann’s research.