Structural Change in Africa: Misperceptions, New Narratives and Development in the 21st Century [Hardcover]

Debates on African development continue to downplay the achievement of the continent: economic achievements are diminished and the perception of a conflict prone continent continues. Many of the policy prescriptions externally imposed on African countries have done little to transform the continent largely because they have been conceived and applied without context.

Using literature from diverse origins, this book expands our knowledge about Africa and makes practical suggestions as to how successful development in a complex, yet dynamic continent can be achieved. Widening the policy dialogue and providing alternative thinking on the key elements and full extent of opportunities and challenges towards achieving the socio-economic transformation of Africa, the book moves the debate from the rhetoric to reality.

As a considered reflection on the Africas transformation narrative, it outlines the practical pathways necessary for Africas sustainable development, providing policy makers and researchers with tested solutions. It will be of interest to all scholars, students and policy professionals working in African development, public policy, international political economy, economic policy and politics.

Overview Chapter 1: Defining structural transformation Chapter 2: Seeking transformation? Africa is not alone Chapter 3: Transformation through industrialization Chapter 4: Understanding other key enablers of Africa's structural transformation Chapter 5: Innovative development financing sources Chapter 6: Selected experiences: drilling into the country dimension Chapter 7: African circumstances and efforts into the future

Using ethnographic and historical materials, this book expands our knowledge about African development and makes practical suggestions as to how successful development in a complex, yet dynamic continent can be achieved.