Africa's Future: How the past is shaping Africa's economic evolution Main Edition

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.