How Africa Works

Success and Failure on the World's Last Developmental Frontier

De: Joe Studwell

Narrado por: Jennifer M. Dixon

In the 1980s, countries across Asia stunned the world with meteoric economic growth—but when eyes turn to Africa today, it is often to lament corruption, violence, and poverty rather than to scout the next developmental frontrunners. Yet some African nations, even in the face of challenging geography and the crippling legacies of colonialism, have found remarkable success. In How Africa Works, Joe Studwell draws on extensive research and travel across the continent to explore what's worked and what hasn't, and shows how the rapidly rising population—seen as alarming by so many—will be foundational to Africa's flourishing.

Highlighting the insights and achievements of African leaders rather than the international community that presumes to know better, Studwell shows that there is a clear developmental path many successful nations have followed. He puts the spotlight on four countries that have seen exceptional economic growth—Botswana, Mauritius, Ethiopia, and Rwanda—and that demonstrate the promise as well as the particular challenge of the African context. Prosperity is well within reach, thanks to huge leaps forward in education and favorable demographics, but embracing winning polices and sidestepping misguided foreign interests will be key. Studwell's book is essential for anyone looking to understand the next chapter of global development.

©2026 Joe Studwell (P)2026 Tantor Media

Great content; poor narration

The content is excellent. I highly recommend this book.

The narrator has a pleasant voice and she keeps a good pace. Future versions might update and correct the worst of the mispronunciations. There are not many of them but they are glaring. These words are so easy to look up and correct. The author will be more embarrassed than anyone.