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 government, demography and asset management. Considering everything from settler colonialism to soil conditions, mineral extractivism to disease development and eradication, and across case studies from Rwanda to Botswana, Studwell persuasively argues that the seizing back of land, people and states across Africa, has also been the seizure of mass economic development. From slavery to independence and beyond, this is the definitive account of the world's second largest continent - and an optimistic look to its future.

Studwell... highlights how African nations have leveraged smart policies to drive sustainable growth. How Africa Works challenges outdated narratives and makes a compelling case for the continent's economic potential -- Bill Gates
An essential read... it vividly demonstrates that with astute policies and a supportive government, the aspiration for rapid and sustainable economic growth is not a far-fetched dream but an achievable reality -- Justin Yifu Lin, Former Chief Economist and Senior VP, World Bank
Remarkable... He approaches this large subject with sensitivity, empirical specificity and a canny distrust of development orthodoxies -- Antoinette Handley, Professor of Political Science, University of Toronto
Refreshingly nuanced -- Andrew Mitchell, former Minister for Development
A powerful contribution that is foundational to our understanding of Africa's future... a sharp, eye-opening read -- Jakkie Cilliers, Chairman of the Institute of Security Studies, South Africa
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
Studwell presents a different, optimistic case. Informed by the East Asian experience as well as Africa's own turbulent history, his account weaves a hopeful narrative -- Dani Rodrik, Professor of International Political Economy, Harvard University

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.