How Africa Works

A radical reassessment of one of the most pervading myths of our time: that the African continent is uniquely ill-suited to economic development

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 How Africa Works challenges outdated narratives and makes a compelling case for the continent's economic potential' - Bill Gates

About the Author

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.