Overview

The birth of new nations, independent democracies, the defeat of settler colonialism, the unprecedented growth of cities from Lagos to Cairo; the African continent is booming. So why do myths about underdevelopment, unproductive land and unfounded concerns about overpopulation remain? In a groundbreaking new study of Africa's developmental history, economist Joe Studwell debunks long-held views about the continent's presumed resistance to growth, charting monumental changes in government, demography and asset management. Considering everything from settler colonialism to soil conditions, mineral extractivism to disease development and eradication, and across case studies from Rwanda to Botswana, Studwell persuasively argues that the seizing back of land, people and states across Africa, has also been the seizure of mass economic development. From slavery to independence and beyond, this is the definitive account of the world's second largest continent - and an optimistic look to its future. 'Studwell... highlights how African nations have leveraged smart policies to drive sustainable growth. How Africa Works challenges outdated narratives and makes a compelling case for the continent's economic potential' - Bill Gates

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9781805226772

Table of Contents

Reviews

Praise for How Asia Works: 'You badly need to read this book... Studwell skewers myths with equal passion and panache. * Financial Times *

Challenges outdated narratives and makes a compelling case for the continent's economic potential -- Bill Gates An essential read... vividly demonstrates that economic growth is not a far-fetched dream -- Justin Yifu Lin, Former Chief Economist, World Bank Refreshingly nuanced -- Andrew Mitchell, former Minister for Development A different, optimistic case... his account weaves a hopeful narrative -- Professor Dani Rodrik, Harvard University Remarkable... He approaches this large subject with sensitivity and empirical specificity -- Antoinette Handley, Professor of Political Science, University of Toronto A powerful contribution that is foundational to our understanding of Africa's future -- Jakkie Cilliers, Chairman of the Institute of Security Studies, South Africa This is a powerful analysis of why Africa has developed more slowly than elsewhere and why things now look hopeful. All concerned with Africa's economic development should read it -- Clare Short, former Secretary of State for International Development An essential read for policymakers, economists, and anyone with a vested interest in the economic transformation of Africa and the wider developing world -- Justin Yifu Lin, former Chief Economist, World Bank

Author Information

Joe Studwell is a journalist and academic. He is the Senior Visiting Fellow at the Overseas Development Institute in London, and holds a PhD in global business and development from the University of Cambridge. Previous titles include How Asia Works and The China Dream.

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