Why Africa is Poor: And what Africans can do about it

by Greg Mills

Economic growth does not demand a secret formula. Good development examples now abound in East Asia and further afield in others parts of Asia, and in Central America. But why then has Africa failed to realise its potential in half a century of independence? Why Africa is Poor demonstrates that Africa is poor not because the world has denied the continent the market and financial means to compete: far from it. It has not been because of aid per se. Nor is African poverty solely a consequence of poor infrastructure or trade access, or because the necessary development and technical expertise is unavailable internationally. Why then has the continent lagged behind other developing areas when its people work hard and the continent is blessed with abundant natural resources? Stomping across the continent and the developing world in search of the answer, Greg Mills controversially shows that the main reason why Africa's people are poor is because their leaders have made this choice.

Genres: Africa, Nonfiction, Economics

540 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2010

Reviews

[William Dicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book to read about the plight of Africa in the midst of unprecedented amounts of foreign aid. The book shows clearly, with examples, that simple aid is no the answer.

It also points to two of the big problems in Africa: Leaders that do not really care about the people, but rather their own ways of life; and a populace, that even in democratic countries, continue to vote for parties and presidents that are clearly failures.

Mills points out how Far Eastern countries and South American countries dug themselves out of deep holes through making the right decisions, and then started flourishing. On the other hand, African leaders refuse to make these decisions, because aid has made it just too easy for them.

A must read book!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who lives in Africa, I am very interested in what it takes to bring the continent's many countries to higher levels of living for everyone. But despite years of talks around African renaissances and democratic reforms, it often feels that every step forward is met with two steps back. Why? And what can be done?

This book lays out the realities of the situation in an unflinching, consistent and thorough way. But it's not a negative attack. Instead it looks at the various strategies both in Africa and other regions - specifically South-East Asia, Eastern Europe and South America. It draws correlations and inspects differences. Along the way it slays sacred cows and highlights actual successes.

Summary? The journey to the top for Africa is still hard and its failures are often down to poor leadership. But it can be salvaged and Africa can become great... if we can get a copy of this book into the hands of decision makers.

It's a deep, long read, but if you have any interest in Africa's future welfare and prosperity, this is a must-read.

[Nicholas Woode-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why Africa Is Poor presents the case of Africa's poverty as simple, and manages to explain it as such. The book is well-written, excellently argued and logically sound.

At the beginning of many sections, Mills will begin with an anecdote of how he struggled to cross over the border of an African country due to its corruption, incompetence or lack of infrastructure. This become a core part of his argument. Africa is poor because it restricts the movement of goods and people. If Africa wants to become successful, it needs to truly liberalise and embrace a Libertarian economic system.

[Piyush Sakorikar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good one

All the aspect across globe are covered

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up in Johannesburg (I've never seen it in the States). Fascinating book, full of good information and a lot of truths. A bit overkill on all the data though. His solutions make great sense.

[Maria · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was unmemorable and seemed to make hackneyed points. I expected Mills to bring something new to the debate on African aid and investment, but that was very much lacking. He seemed to want to publish yet another critique on aid without bringing anything new to the table.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and lucid. Would have given 5 stars but the graphs could be of better quality. It is a must read to those who despair of Africa's future.

[Sagwe Ombui]

I just want to Read this Book and have some snapshots About Africa with Poor Governance