Martin Namasaka
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Alumni, Department of International Development, UK

Series: African Political, Economic, and Security Issues
BISAC: POL053000

Africa’s development impasse demands a new level of consciousness, a greater degree of innovation, and a generous dose of honesty about what works and what does not as far as development is concerned. Rethinking African Development presents, argues, analyzes as well as defends particular approaches to African Development. Drawing from various fronts such as; Africa’s population growth, outgrowing development aid, diversification of economies and exports, industrialization, capitalism, regional integration, trade, democracy as well as state failure and the never ending levels of poverty. It gives a personal view of Martin Namasaka as an African bred and raised ardent development scholar. It identifies key issues in African Development that if addressed will ensure Africa reaps its demographic dividend.

The book provokes thought and encourages future generations to conduct more research which will challenge and address the policy traps that Africa is currently locked in. Time is due for Africans to break their mental (imagined or real) colonial shackles and forge a new history for themselves because Africa’s future lies with brains not brawn. As such, they should sequence and tailor a context-specific national capitalism model that acknowledges country specific competitive advantages and weaknesses. What would it take for all African leaders to contribute to the vision of a better Africa? What vision do they have? If not, is this good for regional integration?

Overall, Rethinking African Development argues that Africa’s pursuit to catch up with the rest of the world in socio-economic and political development remains critical. As a late late late comer, this demands radical rethinking of sustainable development strategies and invigorating institutions of learning to ensure that Africans can think for themselves out of the contemporary quandary of the continent. (Imprint: Nova)