Africa's Future: How the past is shaping Africa's economic evolution - Tapa dura

Críticas

Duncan Clarke's latest book on Africa sets out to answer tough questions about the continent, often asked but seldom satisfactorily answered: What shaped Africa's economies? What went wrong? And can its recent growth be sustained? The result is rather like travelling around Africa in the company of a knowledgeable and entertaining guide who draws lessons from the past while mapping out the future. Challenging theories and defying conventional wisdom throughout, he knows Africa too well to come up with easy or glib answers and provides a stimulating and thought-provoking journey. (Michael Holman, former Africa editor of Financial Times, London, was raised in central Africa and is author of three novels set in east Africa)

A richly detailed review of Africa's past and what it tells us about the future, providing a sobering view of the realities on the ground. Indispensable for anyone interested in global trends in the 21st century. (Ian Morris)

Reseña del editor

Many seek to "fix" Africa - economists, experts, politicians, gurus, cognoscenti and glitterati. But the continent conceals multiple secrets, including the Holy Grail: explanations of its saga over the previous centuries.

Africa's Future tells the tale of Africa's economic evolution, revealing unique prisms for understanding the continent's panoramic story, one of triumph over the lasting influences of nature and multiple political tragedies. It explains why from Roman times to 1500 CE Africa went backwards, evolving slowly, growing later, improving recently, and how its modern and archaic economies coexist uneasily today.

Modern Africa developed diverse economic pathways to betterment - yet survivalist economies litter the landscape. Its paradox of "subsistence with many faces" coexists amidst the tiny middle class, growing rich, and many more poor expected in the future.

Clarke provides fresh and challenging insights into Africa's economies and future, offering seasoned views on a continent of unlocked potential which has witnessed many false dawns. Not "poor" but poorly managed, Africa holds greater promise, its destiny revealed by its history.