How Africa Works
Success and Failure on the World's Last Developmental Frontier: Longlisted for the FT Business Book of the Year
$40.94
- Paperback
448 pages
- Release Date
21 April 2026
Summary
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 governm…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781805226772 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1805226770 |
| Author: | Joe Studwell |
| Publisher: | Profile Books Ltd |
| Imprint: | Profile Books Ltd |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 448 |
| Release Date: | 21 April 2026 |
| Weight: | 551g |
| Dimensions: | 42mm x 152mm x 232mm |
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Critics Review
A dazzling reassessment of the continent’s historic handicaps, and its potential for economic development. … One of the most original and important books on Africa in years * Financial Times *
Challenges outdated narratives and makes a compelling case for the continent’s economic potential – Bill Gates
One of the most interesting analyses of the past few years… Valuable reading * Economist *
One of the most high-profile books on Africa of the past few years. This is valuable reading for anyone curious to understand “the last great frontier of global development” – ‘Best Books of 2026 so far’ * Economist *
An essential read… vividly demonstrates that economic growth is not a far-fetched dream – Justin Yifu Lin, Former Chief Economist, World Bank
Refreshingly nuanced – Andrew Mitchell, former Minister for Development
A different, optimistic case… his account weaves a hopeful narrative – Professor Dani Rodrik, Harvard University
Remarkable… He approaches this large subject with sensitivity and empirical specificity – Antoinette Handley, Professor of Political Science, University of Toronto
This is a powerful analysis of why Africa has developed more slowly than elsewhere and why things now look hopeful. All concerned with Africa’s economic development should read it – Clare Short, former Secretary of State for International Development
A powerful contribution that is foundational to our understanding of Africa’s future – Jakkie Cilliers, Chairman of the Institute of Security Studies, South Africa
Packed with details… Studwell has an impressive record * African Business *
Joe Studwell
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.
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