Future of Africa

This open access textbook offers a critical introduction to human and economic developmentprospects in Africa revolving around three questions: where is Africa today, whatexplains the current state, and, given historical trends and what we know about theworld, where do we think the continent will be in 2040? And, a final question: whatcan we do to create a better tomorrow? It models ambitious progress in health,demographics, agriculture, education, industrialization, technological leapfrogging,increased trade, greater stability, better governance and external support. The bookreviews the future of work/jobs, poverty and the impact of climate change. Acombined Closing the Gap scenario presents a forecast of what could be possible by2040. Each chapter suggests which policies might accelerate prospects for eachsector. Written in an accessible style, and supported by a range of pedagogicalfeatures, this textbook introduces undergraduate and graduate students to thecontemporary human and economic development prospects in Africa.