BY Steve Langdon, Archibald R.M. Ritter, Yiagadeesen Samy. Sub-Saharan Africa is at a turning point. The barriers to economic growth…
Browsing: Book Reviews
This book offers a comprehensive, research-driven analysis of the persistent economic underdevelopment in Africa, with Nigeria as a central case study. It argues that Nigeria’s failure to achieve sustained growth stems from weak social institutions, corrupt governance, and mismanagement of resources—issues common across the continent, though shaped by local contexts. The book contrasts these challenges with successful development strategies in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the importance of foundational institutions.
Early chapters trace Nigeria’s institutional decline since independence, highlighting systemic barriers to progress despite abundant natural and human resources. Later sections critique widely accepted growth models—especially the overreliance on foreign direct investment—as ineffective for nations lacking a solid economic base. Instead, the book advocates for development strategies grounded in proven, context-sensitive frameworks.
Intended for readers interested in global development, the book serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, practitioners, and organizations working to promote sustainable growth in Africa.
Reviewed by Martin Meeùs. Terrorism and other forms of political violence are more present than ever in modern societies but…
hina is now the biggest foreign player in Africa. It’s Africa’s largest trade partner, the largest infrastructure financier, and the fastest-growing source of foreign direct investment. Chinese entrepreneurs are flooding into the continent, investing in long-term assets such as factories and heavy equipment.
This book assesses the challenges and provides concrete policy recommendations that can be taken by Africa’s leaders and citizens in the key areas to reset their economic trajectory, achieve their desired convergence, and meet the aspirations of their people.
Many new development initiatives have been introduced in Africa over the past few decades. Each of these has been heralded as marking a new era in the continent’s development.
By Paul Kenyon. The dictator who grew so rich on his country’s cocoa crop that he built a 35-story-high basilica…
Radhika Balakrishnan and Diane Elson. Economic Policy and Human Rights presents a powerful critique of three decades of Neo-liberal economic…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]By Almas Heshmati. This edited volume focuses on economic integration, currency union, and sustainable and inclusive growth in East Africa.…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Deborah Brautigam. Highly topical. Draws on completely new research in China and Africa to provide the first comprehensive account of…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Reviewed by: David Black. Richard Joseph and Alexandra Gillies, eds. Smart Aid for African Development. Boulder, Colo.; Lynne Rienner Publishers,…