Évolué is a French label used during the colonial era to refer to an African who had "evolved" by becoming Europeanised through education or assimilation and had accepted European values and patterns of behavior. It is most commonly used to refer to individuals within the Belgian and French colonial empires. Évolués spoke French, followed European laws, usually held white-collar jobs, and lived primarily in urban areas of the colony.
Évolués in the Belgian Congo studying medicine in Medical School of Yakusu Hospital, near Kisangani.
A social club in the Belgian Congo, c. 1943.
Belgium controlled several territories and concessions during the colonial era, principally the Belgian Congo from 1908 to 1960, Ruanda-Urundi from 1922 to 1962, and Lado Enclave from 1884 to 1910. It also had small concessions in Guatemala (1843–1854) and Belgian concession of Tianjin in China (1902–1931) and was a co-administrator of the Tangier International Zone in Morocco.
A missionary posing with a victim of the Congo atrocities
African troops recruited by the Congo Free State
Force Publique soldiers from the Belgian Congo in World War II
Belgian colonial officials in Léopoldville, 1938