How Africa Works: Success and Failure on the World's Last Developmental Frontier

In the 1980s, countries across Asia stunned the world with meteoric economic growth—but when eyes turn to Africa today, it is often to lament corruption, violence, and poverty rather than to scout the next developmental frontrunners. Yet some African nations, even in the face of challenging geography and the crippling legacies of colonialism, have found remarkable success. In How Africa Works, Joe Studwell draws on extensive research and travel across the continent to explore what's worked and what hasn't, and shows how the rapidly rising population—seen as alarming by so many—will be foundational to Africa's flourishing.

Highlighting the insights and achievements of African leaders rather than the international community that presumes to know better, Studwell shows that there is a clear developmental path many successful nations have followed. He puts the spotlight on four countries that have seen exceptional economic growth—Botswana, Mauritius, Ethiopia, and Rwanda—and that demonstrate the promise as well as the particular challenge of the African context. Prosperity is well within reach, thanks to huge leaps forward in education and favorable demographics, but embracing winning polices and sidestepping misguided foreign interests will be key. Studwell's book is essential for anyone looking to understand the next chapter of global development.

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Release date

Audiobook: 3 February 2026