The contributors to this book examine the economic constraints to growth and development faced by sub-Saharan African countries.
These constraints include the underdevelopment of domestic capital markets, the lack of national and regional infrastructures, and the ongoing dependence on the export of commodities whose prices and markets are volatile and remain largely determined by the large companies of western countries.
At the same time, the book discusses the international community's responsibility to remove obstacles of its own making and create the necessary international conditions that would enable Africa to overcome its development and poverty problems.
Experienced scholars and policymakers from Africa, policy-oriented experts from western and Asian countries, and research-oriented officials of the IMF, World Bank, UN and WTO present their views on Africas challenges. Their analyses provide useful insights into how policies can be improved at the national, regional and international levels.
All of the chapters defy some cliches about Africas development. The book includes an interesting discussion about the development model Ð the role of the state and the role of the market Ð that would best fit African realities, and the lessons that can be learned from experiences in Latin America and Asia. It also includes a timely analysis of the developmental role of emerging Asian investments into Africa
The contributing authors are deeply concerned about AfricaÕs fate. Their analyses and solutions are highly useful to those who want to contribute to improving the economic situation in Africa. Some of the issues discussed in this book are also of great relevance to the development prospects, not only of the African region, but of poor countries in general.
