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The Shackled Continent: Power, Corruption, and African Lives
A former Africa editor for The Economist , Robert Guest addresses the troubled continent's thorniest war, AIDS, and above all, poverty. Newly updated with a preface that considers political and economic developments of the past six years, The Shackled Continent is engrossing, highly readable, and as entertaining as it is tragic.
Guest pulls the veil off the corruption and intrigue that cripple so many African nations, posing a provocative theory that Africans have been impoverished largely by their own leaders' abuses of power. From the minefields of Angola to the barren wheat fields of Zimbabwe, Guest gathers startling evidence of the misery African leaders have inflicted on their people. But he finds elusive success stories and examples of the resilience and resourcefulness of individual Africans, too; from these, he draws hope that the continent will eventually prosper. Guest offers choices both commonsense and controversial for Africans and for those in the West who wish Africa well.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Guest pulls the veil off the corruption and intrigue that cripple so many African nations, posing a provocative theory that Africans have been impoverished largely by their own leaders' abuses of power. From the minefields of Angola to the barren wheat fields of Zimbabwe, Guest gathers startling evidence of the misery African leaders have inflicted on their people. But he finds elusive success stories and examples of the resilience and resourcefulness of individual Africans, too; from these, he draws hope that the continent will eventually prosper. Guest offers choices both commonsense and controversial for Africans and for those in the West who wish Africa well.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2004
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November 26, 2018
I picked up Robert Guest's Shackled Continent, a book that seeks to understand Africa's poverty and development issues, with much trepidation. A continent rich with its history, people, languages and complex with its colonial past, the Atlantic slave trade, and post-colonial challenges reduced to a single descriptive word: shackled.
Guest’s approach is unnuanced and lacks cultural sensitivity. Take this bit from the section on ‘Why Africans need property rights’: “When I asked the nomad how much his house cost, he had no idea what I was talking about. He looked at me quizzically and explained, as if to a fool, that he had built it himself, with materials he had at hand…He could not put a price on the place, because it would have never occurred to him to sell it”. Guest does note that it was a stupid question and that he probably asked it because he had house prices on his mind – he was trying to buy property in London that month. Vignettes such as this one make you wonder how different – and how much more authentic – this book might have been had it been written by an African author with an understanding of the region and its peoples.
When you fail to understand a region, you don't care about cultural nuances. Why would you when the people of the region – the ‘backward, primitive natives’ are solely to blame for the lack of the post-colonial development of the continent. Never is the role of IMF or World Bank criticised; indeed, they are seen as saviours. The solution put forward by Guest, therefore, lies in Africa embracing the aforementioned neo-colonial powers. Ever heard of the White Saviour Complex, Guest? Clearly not, because a champion of the aforementioned Complex, Bob Geldof has endorsed this book (“An excellent book. Timely, provocative and written throughout with a passion for Africa and Africans”).
I wish Monique Ilboudo, a poet and human rights activist from Burkina Faso, was better known. Here is her poem 'I suffer' from The World Record: International Voices from Southbank Centre's Poetry Parnassus:
I suffer
From a lack of means
From SAP
That come and go
From the devaluation
That humiliates me
From the IMF
That crushes me
From a value system
That excludes me
From the single-mindedness
That smothers me.
I suffer
From the aid
Generous or disguised
From the pity
Feigned or sincere
From the arrogance
Malicious or mocking
I suffer
From the look
That discriminates against me
From chartered flights
That turn me away
I suffer from being a dumping ground
From eating leftovers
From wearing rags
From thinking the thoughts
Of Others
I suffer
And I am not proud
Of my powerlessness
Guest’s approach is unnuanced and lacks cultural sensitivity. Take this bit from the section on ‘Why Africans need property rights’: “When I asked the nomad how much his house cost, he had no idea what I was talking about. He looked at me quizzically and explained, as if to a fool, that he had built it himself, with materials he had at hand…He could not put a price on the place, because it would have never occurred to him to sell it”. Guest does note that it was a stupid question and that he probably asked it because he had house prices on his mind – he was trying to buy property in London that month. Vignettes such as this one make you wonder how different – and how much more authentic – this book might have been had it been written by an African author with an understanding of the region and its peoples.
When you fail to understand a region, you don't care about cultural nuances. Why would you when the people of the region – the ‘backward, primitive natives’ are solely to blame for the lack of the post-colonial development of the continent. Never is the role of IMF or World Bank criticised; indeed, they are seen as saviours. The solution put forward by Guest, therefore, lies in Africa embracing the aforementioned neo-colonial powers. Ever heard of the White Saviour Complex, Guest? Clearly not, because a champion of the aforementioned Complex, Bob Geldof has endorsed this book (“An excellent book. Timely, provocative and written throughout with a passion for Africa and Africans”).
I wish Monique Ilboudo, a poet and human rights activist from Burkina Faso, was better known. Here is her poem 'I suffer' from The World Record: International Voices from Southbank Centre's Poetry Parnassus:
I suffer
From a lack of means
From SAP
That come and go
From the devaluation
That humiliates me
From the IMF
That crushes me
From a value system
That excludes me
From the single-mindedness
That smothers me.
I suffer
From the aid
Generous or disguised
From the pity
Feigned or sincere
From the arrogance
Malicious or mocking
I suffer
From the look
That discriminates against me
From chartered flights
That turn me away
I suffer from being a dumping ground
From eating leftovers
From wearing rags
From thinking the thoughts
Of Others
I suffer
And I am not proud
Of my powerlessness
July 27, 2011
(sigh)
I wish I could like this book. I really do. The problem, for me, wasn't the tone or basic presumptions, which any number of self interested commentators described as neo-colonialist or patronising.
It's just that the arguments were pretty slight, often repetitive, and nowhere up to the analytical standard that one would expect of an 'Economist' journalist - perhaps this is an editing issue, because it seems that the book was marketed as mainstream rather than specialist (the cover reads 'the international bestseller' - what, a book about Africa's problems? I don't think so.)
One can't really argue with the general thrust of Guest's arguments - more trade, more production, economic liberalisation, less - much less - corruption and nepotism. But the glib, pithy manner in which the medicine is prescribed assumes too many things and argues too few, and introduces a homogeneity to the problems of the continent that simply isn't correct or true.
I'm not sorry I read it. I'm sorry, though, that it isn't the far superior book that it occasionally promises to be
I wish I could like this book. I really do. The problem, for me, wasn't the tone or basic presumptions, which any number of self interested commentators described as neo-colonialist or patronising.
It's just that the arguments were pretty slight, often repetitive, and nowhere up to the analytical standard that one would expect of an 'Economist' journalist - perhaps this is an editing issue, because it seems that the book was marketed as mainstream rather than specialist (the cover reads 'the international bestseller' - what, a book about Africa's problems? I don't think so.)
One can't really argue with the general thrust of Guest's arguments - more trade, more production, economic liberalisation, less - much less - corruption and nepotism. But the glib, pithy manner in which the medicine is prescribed assumes too many things and argues too few, and introduces a homogeneity to the problems of the continent that simply isn't correct or true.
I'm not sorry I read it. I'm sorry, though, that it isn't the far superior book that it occasionally promises to be
March 20, 2014
Robert Guest is the African correspondent for the Economist, and though he would normally be restricted by the Economist’s analytical viewpoint (which he describes as objective), the Shackled Continent is slanted towards his own views which are capitalist, neoliberal, reasoned, and occasionally offensive. The Shackled Continent looks at the economy, aid programs, and politics of sub-Saharan Africa between about the 1960s and the book’s publication in 2004.
I have mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, I think Guest offers valuable criticism of foreign aid and why it isn’t really working, does a decent job of exploring political obstacles which impede reform, and manages to cover a tremendous amount of information in quite a small book. On the other hand, many of his criticisms have huge blindspots. He equates incomparable economies, makes sweeping claims outside his expertise (on genetically modified foods; on local opinions of Shell or the damage the drilling has done in Nigeria; on other forms of environmental damage that are the result of development; on why capitalism is what Africa needs; etc), and leaves too many arguments undeveloped. What one reviewer in the Guardian said has to be quoted for its hilarity: “Robert Guest is exploring the dark continent with intrepid adventures, carrying not the Bible but the Economist to assure the benighted tribesmen that they can be saved by putting their faith in free-market global capitalism, which will rid them of their local superstitions and bring them a new era of prosperity.”
The best points raised in the Shackled Continent are definitely those around foreign aid. Aid, clearly, is not working. But why has it proven to be such a failure? Much of it ties back to regulation, aid policy and the very despotic governments the West hope to suppress as a result of aid. Guest’s recommendations are that donations should be both more generous and more selective. Only governments that are committed to reform should be given money, whereas others should only be offered advice. Also:
“Donors should probably devote a smaller proportion of their aid budgets to helping individual countries, and more to fostering the kind of technology that benefits poor people everywhere, such as vaccines.”
Guest argues that despite supposed political doctrines, most sub-Saharan countries are really Statist, meaning the government has full control over the economy and social programs (or lack thereof). Many African countries suffer from predatory politics, as unfortunately politics are seen to be the most attractive method of gaining wealth and retaining power. These poorly-run governments plunge their countries into further debt creating poverty and economic stagnation, which also happen to be the two key indicators or factors associated with civil war.
These political leaders often have no understanding of economics, so exercise flawed reasoning which add to their countries problems. The median African country has a GDP of only $2 billion, which is about the same as a small town in Europe. They are also seduced by shortcuts, like price fixing. What Guest says about price fixing is too hilarious to go unquoted:
“Price fixing is a bit like jumping off a tall building shouting, “I abolish the law of gravity.” You cannot simply decree that something is worth more than anyone will pay for it or less than sellers will accept for it.”
Guest argues that rich countries should open their markets to goods from Africa, as it would have far more potential to reduce poverty than aid. So, too, would freehold land ownership. In many parts of sub-Saharan African, Africans ‘own’ their homes, but under traditional law rather than by deed. This means that their assets aren’t fungible and so they have no bargaining power. In some countries (Ethiopia, Mozambique), freehold land ownership is illegal.
I would be really interested to hear what another economist has to say about this one. I’m not totally sold, though.
I have mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, I think Guest offers valuable criticism of foreign aid and why it isn’t really working, does a decent job of exploring political obstacles which impede reform, and manages to cover a tremendous amount of information in quite a small book. On the other hand, many of his criticisms have huge blindspots. He equates incomparable economies, makes sweeping claims outside his expertise (on genetically modified foods; on local opinions of Shell or the damage the drilling has done in Nigeria; on other forms of environmental damage that are the result of development; on why capitalism is what Africa needs; etc), and leaves too many arguments undeveloped. What one reviewer in the Guardian said has to be quoted for its hilarity: “Robert Guest is exploring the dark continent with intrepid adventures, carrying not the Bible but the Economist to assure the benighted tribesmen that they can be saved by putting their faith in free-market global capitalism, which will rid them of their local superstitions and bring them a new era of prosperity.”
The best points raised in the Shackled Continent are definitely those around foreign aid. Aid, clearly, is not working. But why has it proven to be such a failure? Much of it ties back to regulation, aid policy and the very despotic governments the West hope to suppress as a result of aid. Guest’s recommendations are that donations should be both more generous and more selective. Only governments that are committed to reform should be given money, whereas others should only be offered advice. Also:
“Donors should probably devote a smaller proportion of their aid budgets to helping individual countries, and more to fostering the kind of technology that benefits poor people everywhere, such as vaccines.”
Guest argues that despite supposed political doctrines, most sub-Saharan countries are really Statist, meaning the government has full control over the economy and social programs (or lack thereof). Many African countries suffer from predatory politics, as unfortunately politics are seen to be the most attractive method of gaining wealth and retaining power. These poorly-run governments plunge their countries into further debt creating poverty and economic stagnation, which also happen to be the two key indicators or factors associated with civil war.
These political leaders often have no understanding of economics, so exercise flawed reasoning which add to their countries problems. The median African country has a GDP of only $2 billion, which is about the same as a small town in Europe. They are also seduced by shortcuts, like price fixing. What Guest says about price fixing is too hilarious to go unquoted:
“Price fixing is a bit like jumping off a tall building shouting, “I abolish the law of gravity.” You cannot simply decree that something is worth more than anyone will pay for it or less than sellers will accept for it.”
Guest argues that rich countries should open their markets to goods from Africa, as it would have far more potential to reduce poverty than aid. So, too, would freehold land ownership. In many parts of sub-Saharan African, Africans ‘own’ their homes, but under traditional law rather than by deed. This means that their assets aren’t fungible and so they have no bargaining power. In some countries (Ethiopia, Mozambique), freehold land ownership is illegal.
I would be really interested to hear what another economist has to say about this one. I’m not totally sold, though.
January 12, 2014
Of course you work for the Economist! No other journal produces such standard dribble about Africa quite like the Economist. I read this when I was 19, and even then I could have done a better job writing about this vast, heterogeneous continent. Way to simplify it to corruption, pot-holes, AIDS, civil wars and poverty, and completely overlook the involvement of western corporations and NGOs like the World Bank and IMF. I just cant.
July 14, 2025
At times controversial, at times honest, blunt and thought provoking. Ultimately left me feeling hopeful about Africa’s potential, and even more motivated to continue my career at Yellow building impactful businesses in DRC, Malawi, Madagascar, and Nigeria.
July 17, 2023
Guest does a really great job taking the reader through various elements that contribute to the overwhelmingly negative press we hear about African nations. Each chapter gives a solid overview of a specific topic (ex. property rights, corruption, public health, etc...).
Some weaknesses are obvious: Guest is western himself, so despite his extensive experience on the continent you are not getting the perspective of someone truly impacted by the societies he writes about. However, Guest does put in an effort to express the "African perspective" through quotes and anecdotes.
Another weakness that many point out is that the book lacks depth. I have to disagree here. I believe for what Guest is attempting to achieve with the book--an overview of development challenges holding the continent back--he does a good job. Obviously he is writing about an incredibly expansive and diverse continent and a variety of development set-backs. Were the book to be about a specific country, even better a specific region/city, the reader could get a more comprehensive understanding of the successes and struggles of that region. But with a book about an entire continent it is not fair for the reader to expect to leave an expert.
This is a great starter book, giving the reader a great overview of the continent and potentially steering them toward more in depth research and literature on some of the topics or regions introduced. I would consider this book a valuable one to keep on your shelf to return to again and again--it's the sort that you will learn something new from with each read.
Some weaknesses are obvious: Guest is western himself, so despite his extensive experience on the continent you are not getting the perspective of someone truly impacted by the societies he writes about. However, Guest does put in an effort to express the "African perspective" through quotes and anecdotes.
Another weakness that many point out is that the book lacks depth. I have to disagree here. I believe for what Guest is attempting to achieve with the book--an overview of development challenges holding the continent back--he does a good job. Obviously he is writing about an incredibly expansive and diverse continent and a variety of development set-backs. Were the book to be about a specific country, even better a specific region/city, the reader could get a more comprehensive understanding of the successes and struggles of that region. But with a book about an entire continent it is not fair for the reader to expect to leave an expert.
This is a great starter book, giving the reader a great overview of the continent and potentially steering them toward more in depth research and literature on some of the topics or regions introduced. I would consider this book a valuable one to keep on your shelf to return to again and again--it's the sort that you will learn something new from with each read.
February 24, 2019
When I first held the book in my hand, I was happy that I was going to indeed learn something new about "The Shackled Continent", not until I saw the name of the author Robert Guest. Sounds probably British or European (though I understand that some Africans bear two English name). Of course he is a Guest in Africa I thought. Generally, I do not enjoy reading books on Africa by non-Africans. I feel non-Africans cannot tell the African story from the African perspective (if at all there is such a thing as African perspective).
Anyway, Robert Guest have changed my opinion. In fact, I do believe Africans have a lot to learn from him. Guest in his work arguably paints the perfect ugly picture of all that is wrong with the African Continent. Ranging from the economic, social, political, religious, to the subtle but powerful forces that mitigates against the progress and development of Africa.
I think it is a good read, and Africans ought to read this.
Anyway, Robert Guest have changed my opinion. In fact, I do believe Africans have a lot to learn from him. Guest in his work arguably paints the perfect ugly picture of all that is wrong with the African Continent. Ranging from the economic, social, political, religious, to the subtle but powerful forces that mitigates against the progress and development of Africa.
I think it is a good read, and Africans ought to read this.
July 8, 2020
Praise for “The Shackled Continent: Africa’s Past, Present and Future” appears on the cover as Bob Geldof states: “An excellent book. Timely, provocative and written throughout with a passion for Africa and Africans”.
I’m wondering if we’ve read the same book. As far as I am concerned, Guest’s only passions for Africa involve his heavy criticism of the continent and it’s leaders.
Robert Guest offers a wide scope of knowledge on the continent of Africa. It is clear he has conducted a vast amount of research and has spent an ample amount of time there as well. However, story after story is told in a way that, though it could be completely smothered in plausible deniability, is really pretty racist (see the term “thugocrat” on p. 148).
For example, according to Guest, the spread of AIDS is due to stupidity and promiscuity (my words but obviously his attitude). He scoffs that the book his wife wrote about AIDS in Africa was condemned as trying to “advance a racist ideology that portrays African people as promiscuous and reckless” (p. 99). Well I gotta say, if she writes anything like he does, that is exactly the vibe her book gave off. Guest incredulously cites certain cultural norms such as this one: “In much of southern Africa, HIV-infected men believe they can cleanse themselves of the virus by passing it on to a virgin” (p. 99). He might as well have entered breaking points for the reader to scoff alongside him when he recounts several stories about his dealings with prostitutes literally throwing themselves at him and him having to literally push them off of him, as well as his multitude of stories of men proudly claiming that they use prostitutes.
I’d also be leaving out a crucial point if I failed to mention that, again according to Guest, women are also largely to blame for the spread of AIDS. He at one point quotes a Zimbabwean author who claimed, “Since our women are dressed to kill, we are all going to die”. He praises a government program called Straight Talk which offers suggestions for how to curb the AIDS crisis: “These help girls learn how to insist on condoms… how to persuade their boyfriends that they are not ready for sex. Convincing teenage boys that remaining a virgin is cool has proven more difficult.” In other words, he praises this campaign that puts the pressure pretty flatly on women. Guest seems to have forgotten his own words from previous chapters that a large factor in the spread of the disease is rape.
Moreover, he criticizes the society that presents itself as such: “Many African women find it hard to ask their partners to use condoms. In one survey of Zambia, less than a quarter of the women believed they had the right to refuse sex to their husbands even if they knew he was unfaithful…” I’m over here thinking, does this guy really think this same thing doesn’t happen in Western cultures?
To be honest, he pretty much lost me right at the beginning. He comes out of the gate making excuses for “colonialism” (he makes sure never to mention imperialism, only colonialism), saying things like “The colonists left deep scars. But they also left behind some helpful things, such as roads, clinics and laws” (p. 9). Right, roads that the rich use, clinics that are defunct and laws that protect those in power. Nailed it.
He is making his case that Africa will one day prosper. He argues that it has happened before in other countries so it can happen again. I agree in that I also hope that Africa will be relieved of its tremendous struggles one day (it’s why I read this book actually). But here is how he suggests that growth and technological advancements can take place: “Want to know how to build a car, a microchip, or a factory for antibiotics? Walk into a library or browse through old patent applications” (p. 23). Awesome, well that’s solved then. Africans can just take a casual stroll into their local libraries! Duh!
There is also a truly problematic segment of the book starting in the subchapter “From apartheid to affirmative action”. To put it simply, he unapologetically spews what I can only define as “All Lives Matter” rhetoric. Though actual equality for all races was ushered in only in 1994, Guest feels, in this book published a mere 10 years later that everything is totally equal, and in fact, now black people have gained power they may not necessarily have earned. Guest cites this victory of “equality” in this phrase: “For the most part, South Africans of all races tolerate each other” (p. 132). Yikes. White people “tolerating” blacks is seen as equality for this guy.
Yet another recurring theme in the book is that travesties occur when people foolishly hold out on socialist ideologies. When democratic and capitalistic endeavors fail, it is all at the fault of the “foolish” and “corrupt” leaders. When socialist ideals have failed its because, well socialism is on par with a rung of Dante’s fiery furnaces.
This book is also peppered with facts, that, while they may be accurate at first blush, are seemingly ridiculous if you factor in any amount of extra thought. One of the myriad examples of this reads as such: “…affirmative action retards economic growth and so makes it harder for the jobless to find work. This is hugely important: in 2001, South African unemployment stood at 31 percent or 43 percent, depending on whether you count those who have given up looking for non-existent jobs” (p. 140). That’s great and I’m sure its also true. But what was the count in previous years? To present just one year’s figures actually proves nothing.
So yeah, 1/5 at best.
I’m wondering if we’ve read the same book. As far as I am concerned, Guest’s only passions for Africa involve his heavy criticism of the continent and it’s leaders.
Robert Guest offers a wide scope of knowledge on the continent of Africa. It is clear he has conducted a vast amount of research and has spent an ample amount of time there as well. However, story after story is told in a way that, though it could be completely smothered in plausible deniability, is really pretty racist (see the term “thugocrat” on p. 148).
For example, according to Guest, the spread of AIDS is due to stupidity and promiscuity (my words but obviously his attitude). He scoffs that the book his wife wrote about AIDS in Africa was condemned as trying to “advance a racist ideology that portrays African people as promiscuous and reckless” (p. 99). Well I gotta say, if she writes anything like he does, that is exactly the vibe her book gave off. Guest incredulously cites certain cultural norms such as this one: “In much of southern Africa, HIV-infected men believe they can cleanse themselves of the virus by passing it on to a virgin” (p. 99). He might as well have entered breaking points for the reader to scoff alongside him when he recounts several stories about his dealings with prostitutes literally throwing themselves at him and him having to literally push them off of him, as well as his multitude of stories of men proudly claiming that they use prostitutes.
I’d also be leaving out a crucial point if I failed to mention that, again according to Guest, women are also largely to blame for the spread of AIDS. He at one point quotes a Zimbabwean author who claimed, “Since our women are dressed to kill, we are all going to die”. He praises a government program called Straight Talk which offers suggestions for how to curb the AIDS crisis: “These help girls learn how to insist on condoms… how to persuade their boyfriends that they are not ready for sex. Convincing teenage boys that remaining a virgin is cool has proven more difficult.” In other words, he praises this campaign that puts the pressure pretty flatly on women. Guest seems to have forgotten his own words from previous chapters that a large factor in the spread of the disease is rape.
Moreover, he criticizes the society that presents itself as such: “Many African women find it hard to ask their partners to use condoms. In one survey of Zambia, less than a quarter of the women believed they had the right to refuse sex to their husbands even if they knew he was unfaithful…” I’m over here thinking, does this guy really think this same thing doesn’t happen in Western cultures?
To be honest, he pretty much lost me right at the beginning. He comes out of the gate making excuses for “colonialism” (he makes sure never to mention imperialism, only colonialism), saying things like “The colonists left deep scars. But they also left behind some helpful things, such as roads, clinics and laws” (p. 9). Right, roads that the rich use, clinics that are defunct and laws that protect those in power. Nailed it.
He is making his case that Africa will one day prosper. He argues that it has happened before in other countries so it can happen again. I agree in that I also hope that Africa will be relieved of its tremendous struggles one day (it’s why I read this book actually). But here is how he suggests that growth and technological advancements can take place: “Want to know how to build a car, a microchip, or a factory for antibiotics? Walk into a library or browse through old patent applications” (p. 23). Awesome, well that’s solved then. Africans can just take a casual stroll into their local libraries! Duh!
There is also a truly problematic segment of the book starting in the subchapter “From apartheid to affirmative action”. To put it simply, he unapologetically spews what I can only define as “All Lives Matter” rhetoric. Though actual equality for all races was ushered in only in 1994, Guest feels, in this book published a mere 10 years later that everything is totally equal, and in fact, now black people have gained power they may not necessarily have earned. Guest cites this victory of “equality” in this phrase: “For the most part, South Africans of all races tolerate each other” (p. 132). Yikes. White people “tolerating” blacks is seen as equality for this guy.
Yet another recurring theme in the book is that travesties occur when people foolishly hold out on socialist ideologies. When democratic and capitalistic endeavors fail, it is all at the fault of the “foolish” and “corrupt” leaders. When socialist ideals have failed its because, well socialism is on par with a rung of Dante’s fiery furnaces.
This book is also peppered with facts, that, while they may be accurate at first blush, are seemingly ridiculous if you factor in any amount of extra thought. One of the myriad examples of this reads as such: “…affirmative action retards economic growth and so makes it harder for the jobless to find work. This is hugely important: in 2001, South African unemployment stood at 31 percent or 43 percent, depending on whether you count those who have given up looking for non-existent jobs” (p. 140). That’s great and I’m sure its also true. But what was the count in previous years? To present just one year’s figures actually proves nothing.
So yeah, 1/5 at best.
May 20, 2013
An excellent insight into the woes of Africa. The author does try to oversell capitalism as the only solution to Africa's problems. Although he sells it pretty well, he overdoes that part. But all in all, a good read.
October 2, 2019
This afternoon, I finished reading The Shackled Continent - Power, Corruption and African Lives. It's a book written by Robert Guest, the foreign editor for the Economist.
This is a provocative book about African countries and their leaders. Oozing out from the pages is a deep compassion about the elements that have kept Africans in poverty.
He touched on salient factors like dependency on mineral resources and the lack of sustained efforts to diversify, property rights issues, the threat of HIV/AIDS, free trade vs aid, and corruption as an impediment to infrastructural development.
Brace up for some hard truth about your favorite African leaders. Hint: Kwame Nkrumah. Hint: Nelson Mandela.
Some of the issues bedeviling Africa are outrightly barbaric. Tribalism is one. For political gains, some African leaders turn one tribe against the other. Laurent Kabila used the state radio to announce for Congolese to chase down Rwandan Tutsis and kill them. Robert Mugabe asked that territories which had not voted for him be deprived of food during a period of famine.
The economic recklessly of African leaders is in a class of its own. The Nigerian government awarded a $8 billion contract to a Russian company to build a Steel company without having the feasibility study of the project translated to English. Zambia, like most African countries spend 135 times more public money on each university student than on each primary school pupil despite the university students typically coming from affluent families.
Even the foreign aid organizations are not exempt from these reckless decisions. Westerners typically talk about how the Marshall plan, the generous American aid program, helped Western Europe to recover after the Second World War and advocate for same for Africa. Yet, studies reveal that Africa has already received aid equivalent to six Marshall Plans. But whereas the original Marshall Plan was a triumph, aid to Africa has spectacularly failed to alleviate the continent’s poverty.
Most of these aids go into the private pockets of those in government. And it is on this premise that Guest argues that the best way the West can help Africans is to open up its borders. He makes a compelling argument on how trade tariffs do not just harm the African poor but also the Western poor. Subsidy regimes benefit the rich in rich countries and continue to harm the poor in the poorest regions in the world. According to him, allowing much more goods produced in Africa to reach Western customers is one of the best ways to lift Africans from poverty
One of the most chilling parts is the analysis of the South African nation. A book written in 2004 correctly predicted happenings in 2019. How affirmative action and the quota system for blacks in South Africa will not only hurt their economy in the long run but also lead to high unemployment, which could lead to xenophobia. See how it's playing out in the Rainbow nation?
In all these, is Africa doomed? Robert says not quite. But everyone is in on this game of success for the African continent. There are those in the West whose actions continue to embolden authoritarian rule in Africa. Among other things, he posits that democracy is still a virtue; that even though there's no guarantee that a new leader will do better than the current incompetent regime, it is a risk worth taking. And that power in the hands of the electorates can only put fear in the hearts of the newly elected leaders to serve the people.
While reading, I could already see why the book is considered controversial. However, the truth is the truth. For instance, he treats Africa as a country. In his defence, can we honestly say that leadership in Liberia is not similar to that in Malawi? Is Congo not as poor as Togo? Chart African countries and indices to measure citizens wellbeing, and the dots will clutter.
Like a Yoruba adage says, he who mud gets splash on should not be angry, instead he should simply clean himself up.
Robert Guest's harsh truth is needed at this time.
This is a provocative book about African countries and their leaders. Oozing out from the pages is a deep compassion about the elements that have kept Africans in poverty.
He touched on salient factors like dependency on mineral resources and the lack of sustained efforts to diversify, property rights issues, the threat of HIV/AIDS, free trade vs aid, and corruption as an impediment to infrastructural development.
Brace up for some hard truth about your favorite African leaders. Hint: Kwame Nkrumah. Hint: Nelson Mandela.
Some of the issues bedeviling Africa are outrightly barbaric. Tribalism is one. For political gains, some African leaders turn one tribe against the other. Laurent Kabila used the state radio to announce for Congolese to chase down Rwandan Tutsis and kill them. Robert Mugabe asked that territories which had not voted for him be deprived of food during a period of famine.
The economic recklessly of African leaders is in a class of its own. The Nigerian government awarded a $8 billion contract to a Russian company to build a Steel company without having the feasibility study of the project translated to English. Zambia, like most African countries spend 135 times more public money on each university student than on each primary school pupil despite the university students typically coming from affluent families.
Even the foreign aid organizations are not exempt from these reckless decisions. Westerners typically talk about how the Marshall plan, the generous American aid program, helped Western Europe to recover after the Second World War and advocate for same for Africa. Yet, studies reveal that Africa has already received aid equivalent to six Marshall Plans. But whereas the original Marshall Plan was a triumph, aid to Africa has spectacularly failed to alleviate the continent’s poverty.
Most of these aids go into the private pockets of those in government. And it is on this premise that Guest argues that the best way the West can help Africans is to open up its borders. He makes a compelling argument on how trade tariffs do not just harm the African poor but also the Western poor. Subsidy regimes benefit the rich in rich countries and continue to harm the poor in the poorest regions in the world. According to him, allowing much more goods produced in Africa to reach Western customers is one of the best ways to lift Africans from poverty
One of the most chilling parts is the analysis of the South African nation. A book written in 2004 correctly predicted happenings in 2019. How affirmative action and the quota system for blacks in South Africa will not only hurt their economy in the long run but also lead to high unemployment, which could lead to xenophobia. See how it's playing out in the Rainbow nation?
In all these, is Africa doomed? Robert says not quite. But everyone is in on this game of success for the African continent. There are those in the West whose actions continue to embolden authoritarian rule in Africa. Among other things, he posits that democracy is still a virtue; that even though there's no guarantee that a new leader will do better than the current incompetent regime, it is a risk worth taking. And that power in the hands of the electorates can only put fear in the hearts of the newly elected leaders to serve the people.
While reading, I could already see why the book is considered controversial. However, the truth is the truth. For instance, he treats Africa as a country. In his defence, can we honestly say that leadership in Liberia is not similar to that in Malawi? Is Congo not as poor as Togo? Chart African countries and indices to measure citizens wellbeing, and the dots will clutter.
Like a Yoruba adage says, he who mud gets splash on should not be angry, instead he should simply clean himself up.
Robert Guest's harsh truth is needed at this time.
January 11, 2023
This was an insightful read on the continent of Africa. Highlighting, politics, people, culture, agriculture, wars, sex, foreign aid as well as poverty and corruption.
There was much to appreciate in this wholistic perception and impression of Africa. While sections had become dated, there was relevance, including emphasis on history to understand Africa’s future plight.
Firstly, as the author considerately detailed, Africa has immense potential and while this road would be treacherous, he provided a realistic, competently researched, and detailed glide path. All of which through the journalistic lens.
Typically, the modern journalist was associated with the short formed, click bait styled, soulless articles which polluted the online domain. However, this long formed writing, derived through years spent on the ground, with face-to-face interactions with the African people was captivating. While relevantly applicable, enhanced through dedicated research and passionate writing.
Through his writing, he respectfully applied realism to poverty and corruption, including the endless global donations which have horribly disappeared into corrupt officials with laxity and utter hypocrisy. For this to have occurred amongst so much poverty, was concerning. Disappointing examples spotlighted the African governments and their abuse of power, which then failed their people. Positively however, the author balanced the gloom with attainable outlooks and shifting trends from countries such as Botswana and Nigeria.
The future goals and horizons described included the global appeals for international companies, in their considerations of Africa for future manufacturing and exporting. The arguments, particularly when compared to Asia, seemed feasible. Conceptually, the potentials and opportunities outlined were favourable, particularly if South Africa could lead the change. However, these still required the wealthy Africans to be remotivated to invest back into Africa.
A factor impeding the investment aspect was poverty. This was difficult to truly comprehend, and genuinely only appreciated if the reader had visited the continent. However, the author fantastically educated on how poverty had hampered African growth. Including a challenging example of how even Africans with money, had an inability to transfer their assets into liquid capital for bank loans. Consequently, ‘Africans are thus deprived of capital - the lifeblood of capitalism.’
Agitating this poverty and one which a majority of the world was aware of, but turned a blind eye to, was diamond mining, and the dedicated chapter was insightful.
Lastly, the HIV and sex trade was an upsetting chapter to read but an important one. Once again, the author wrote respectfully, and optimistically towards a healthier future.
Overall, this was an informative and excellent read which was passionately written and balanced cleverly with humour throughout.
For those who have travelled or worked in Africa this is a must read, and worthwhile for those with upcoming African travel plans. This book complimented my recent holiday and developed a richer and more nuanced understanding of Africa, and Africa’s history while re-establishing confidence in long form journalism.
There was much to appreciate in this wholistic perception and impression of Africa. While sections had become dated, there was relevance, including emphasis on history to understand Africa’s future plight.
Firstly, as the author considerately detailed, Africa has immense potential and while this road would be treacherous, he provided a realistic, competently researched, and detailed glide path. All of which through the journalistic lens.
Typically, the modern journalist was associated with the short formed, click bait styled, soulless articles which polluted the online domain. However, this long formed writing, derived through years spent on the ground, with face-to-face interactions with the African people was captivating. While relevantly applicable, enhanced through dedicated research and passionate writing.
Through his writing, he respectfully applied realism to poverty and corruption, including the endless global donations which have horribly disappeared into corrupt officials with laxity and utter hypocrisy. For this to have occurred amongst so much poverty, was concerning. Disappointing examples spotlighted the African governments and their abuse of power, which then failed their people. Positively however, the author balanced the gloom with attainable outlooks and shifting trends from countries such as Botswana and Nigeria.
The future goals and horizons described included the global appeals for international companies, in their considerations of Africa for future manufacturing and exporting. The arguments, particularly when compared to Asia, seemed feasible. Conceptually, the potentials and opportunities outlined were favourable, particularly if South Africa could lead the change. However, these still required the wealthy Africans to be remotivated to invest back into Africa.
A factor impeding the investment aspect was poverty. This was difficult to truly comprehend, and genuinely only appreciated if the reader had visited the continent. However, the author fantastically educated on how poverty had hampered African growth. Including a challenging example of how even Africans with money, had an inability to transfer their assets into liquid capital for bank loans. Consequently, ‘Africans are thus deprived of capital - the lifeblood of capitalism.’
Agitating this poverty and one which a majority of the world was aware of, but turned a blind eye to, was diamond mining, and the dedicated chapter was insightful.
Lastly, the HIV and sex trade was an upsetting chapter to read but an important one. Once again, the author wrote respectfully, and optimistically towards a healthier future.
Overall, this was an informative and excellent read which was passionately written and balanced cleverly with humour throughout.
For those who have travelled or worked in Africa this is a must read, and worthwhile for those with upcoming African travel plans. This book complimented my recent holiday and developed a richer and more nuanced understanding of Africa, and Africa’s history while re-establishing confidence in long form journalism.
June 21, 2020
It has been a tough book to read. Not because it requires a high level of reading but because it places a mirror for Africans to look at as they think about their continent. Africa is in dire straits and a most of it is self-inflicted. Robert Guest does a great job of showing the present in light of historical precedence. He tells stories that you would not want to believe are true and all of them are referenced, so he cannot be accused of cooking the stories.
The book shows that African governments are way too involved in the affairs of the citizens. The author goes as far as to say Africans are not really free, whether it is those in nations ruled by dictators or those that have been legislated into bondage by corrupt or worse still well-meaning leaders. For Africa to rise, it's people need freedom. If only leaders would read this book.
The book also speaks of Africa having numerous despotic and corrupt leaders. Leaders who have to pander to their base and their base is not the citizens of the country. The corruption shown in the book can't help but leave you doing your best impression of blushing. Police officers who are a law unto themselves and the citizens have little to no recourse in the face of such serious injustice. And the few times the leaders get involved they merely make it worse.
After reading this book I am even more confident that the only hope for Africa is for the gospel to take root in the land. The governments should learn that their power has limitations and not overstep their bounds. The people need to take responsibility and everyone must know that they are accountable to a higher power for their actions. Unfortunately this is not the case and it could be generations before it ever happens.
A hard book to read but well worth the time
The book shows that African governments are way too involved in the affairs of the citizens. The author goes as far as to say Africans are not really free, whether it is those in nations ruled by dictators or those that have been legislated into bondage by corrupt or worse still well-meaning leaders. For Africa to rise, it's people need freedom. If only leaders would read this book.
The book also speaks of Africa having numerous despotic and corrupt leaders. Leaders who have to pander to their base and their base is not the citizens of the country. The corruption shown in the book can't help but leave you doing your best impression of blushing. Police officers who are a law unto themselves and the citizens have little to no recourse in the face of such serious injustice. And the few times the leaders get involved they merely make it worse.
After reading this book I am even more confident that the only hope for Africa is for the gospel to take root in the land. The governments should learn that their power has limitations and not overstep their bounds. The people need to take responsibility and everyone must know that they are accountable to a higher power for their actions. Unfortunately this is not the case and it could be generations before it ever happens.
A hard book to read but well worth the time
March 27, 2022
Chapter by chapter, Guest takes up a number of the challenges facing Africa and examines them. Beginning with the rapacious and rabidly corrupt power lechers who have headed up the governments of many, if not most African countries since independence, he then moves through topics such as how abundant mineral wealth and foreign arms supplies have lengthened the violent power struggles that have wracked the continent, the social and economic devastation of the AIDS plague, how tribal loyalties have been exploited by those wishing to seize or maintain power, why Western aid policies have largely failed and how trade would be a better alternative.
The book's portrait of Africa is not all negative. The remarkable economic growth of Botswana and the huge (though belated) success by Uganda and Senegal in tackling the AIDS problem are discussed. The post-apartheid successes and challenges in South Africa are examined and some cautious reasons for hope are put forward.
Within each of the topics examined, Guest uses a mixture of illustrative historical examples and stories from his own personal experience as a journalist for The Economist in Africa to support his arguments. His style is engaging and very easy to read and his comments are perceptive and enlightening. If I have one criticism of the book, it would be that each of the topics discussed is largely self-contained with few threads connecting the various arguments. Overall an extremely informative read, however.
The book's portrait of Africa is not all negative. The remarkable economic growth of Botswana and the huge (though belated) success by Uganda and Senegal in tackling the AIDS problem are discussed. The post-apartheid successes and challenges in South Africa are examined and some cautious reasons for hope are put forward.
Within each of the topics examined, Guest uses a mixture of illustrative historical examples and stories from his own personal experience as a journalist for The Economist in Africa to support his arguments. His style is engaging and very easy to read and his comments are perceptive and enlightening. If I have one criticism of the book, it would be that each of the topics discussed is largely self-contained with few threads connecting the various arguments. Overall an extremely informative read, however.
October 12, 2017
I'd give this a 4.5. We are missionaries to the Tsonga and Venda people of S. Africa. We live an hour from the Messina/Beit Bridge border post Guest refers to in his chapter in AIDS. We have traveled in Zimbabwe and Mozambique and speak one tribal language fluently and two others partially. We lived in a rural village for 9 years. I say this to prove that we know, in some senses even more deeply than Guest, what Africa is like, how the people think and live, and we have often grappled with the question of why Africa is poor. As Martin Meredith points out so well in his book State of Africa, or Fate of Africa, the poverty in large part can truly be attributed to the wicked dictators who ravaged Africa AFTER they got their freedom, AFTER the colonialists pulled out or were bombed out. But most people don't have time or interest to pick up Meredith's book. In that case, Guest's book would be the next best option. It covers very well, with memorable examples, the reasons why Africa is poor, from a capitalist perspective. We agree with him on most points. My only criticism and reason I wouldn't give it a 5, is that he doesn't mention their religion, which is the major reason they are still poor. African traditional religion is the driving force behind much of the other problems, including the fatherlessness and dictators they continue to keep voting into power.
May 14, 2017
// From my 2004 book diary:
If you've travelled in sub-Saharan Africa then you undoubtedly have a fair few unanswered questions about how and why things are as they are. Look no further for a fairly brief but informative look at the issues that plague this beautiful continent (HIV/AIDS, poverty, war, corruption and so on) ... and some radical and not so radical suggestions for how this can be changed in the years to come.
Should be compulsory reading for the "Africa Commission" not to mention NGOs and for that sake anti-globalisation protesters.
Ah yes - and it has not been too well received by New African - Controversial book?- Yes. However a more balanced and less emotional review turn to the Guardian.
If you've travelled in sub-Saharan Africa then you undoubtedly have a fair few unanswered questions about how and why things are as they are. Look no further for a fairly brief but informative look at the issues that plague this beautiful continent (HIV/AIDS, poverty, war, corruption and so on) ... and some radical and not so radical suggestions for how this can be changed in the years to come.
Should be compulsory reading for the "Africa Commission" not to mention NGOs and for that sake anti-globalisation protesters.
Ah yes - and it has not been too well received by New African - Controversial book?- Yes. However a more balanced and less emotional review turn to the Guardian.
October 17, 2017
Robert Guest is the African correspondent for the Economist, I really like The Shackled Continent.
I agree also when he said, "If Africa is to prosper, it must do so the way all prosperous countries have done. By making things and providing services that other people want to buy."
A South African, who was a war veteran and who now raises chickens, told Robert, "If South Africans work hard, the country could grow like Japan!"
The author cautioned him saying that the Japanese labored for a century before they caught up with the west.
The South African responded, "Yes, we can do it, and besides, raising chickens is better than fighting."
I am on the same opinion as the South African guy.
I agree also when he said, "If Africa is to prosper, it must do so the way all prosperous countries have done. By making things and providing services that other people want to buy."
A South African, who was a war veteran and who now raises chickens, told Robert, "If South Africans work hard, the country could grow like Japan!"
The author cautioned him saying that the Japanese labored for a century before they caught up with the west.
The South African responded, "Yes, we can do it, and besides, raising chickens is better than fighting."
I am on the same opinion as the South African guy.
Read
November 21, 2017A great book for any first timer to Africa, but also a great book for a seasoned traveler to the continent.
May 3, 2018
An interesting and plain-talking book, albeit with rather simplistic answers.
September 24, 2018
Very insightful. Africa is indeed a 'Country'
October 24, 2020
Easy read.
November 9, 2022
Some parts were too painful to read, but needed to be said nonetheless.
April 19, 2025
Can’t say it’s great, the topics that Robert touches on are interesting and definitely has some solid points but unfortunately more lame takes than anything else.
June 22, 2025
A diagnosis of why sub-Saharan Africa is so impoverished. By a writer for the Economist, so it takes a close look at impediments to business, both foreign 8nvestment and small local entrepreneurs
February 14, 2012
The Shackled Continent: Power, Corruption, and African Lives, by Robert Guest - former Africa editor for the Economist – is an exhaustive and lively book that tries to explain the reasons behind Africa’s poverty . It accounts for the hard economic situation in African and how to make it better « Africa- is in a bad way and this book is my attempt to explain why. » R. Guest. The author makes it clear from the beginning of the book that he means by Africa the sub-Saharan Africa, excluding the Arab countries of north Africa. Africa is a mineral rich continent, with tourist potential and a fertile ground advantageous for agricultural. However, it is growing poorer. Guest notes that so many factors are the stumbling block to the development of African nation ; such as geography, slavery , the remnant of colonialism, AIDS and bad government to name but few.
Most of the African countries are tropical. Such weather is convenient for many deadly diseases to flourish “Africa has the worst of them: Malaria, Yellow Fever, rare but deadly viruses such as Ebola, and a host of energy sapping parasites”.
Another factor to blame for Africa’s misfortune is slavery. Although Guest doesn’t consider slavery a serious element contributing to Africa’s poverty for the reason that « the Trans Atlantic slave trade ended in the 19th Century,” so that can hardly explain 21 st Century problems, but , in fact, it has tremendous negative aspects on the history of most of African countries.
Guest admits that it is « easy to find colonial roots for modern problems ». South Africa ; for instance, was one of the first African countries to gain independence ; however, it remained under the control of a white minority through a biased unfair system of racial segregation known as apartheid until 1994. Practically, African countries have gained their independence, but the colonialists have left most countries under ethnic conflicts and disputes over borders that are intently left ambiguous with neighbouring countries. Guest claims that the colonialists « left deep scars. » but he adds « they also left behind some helpful things such as roads, clinics and laws. » despite all these problems handed down from the colonialists, Guest still doesn’t consider all these unfortunate defects excuses for the modern problems believing that « If colonialism was what held Africa back, you would expect the continent to have boomed when the settlers left. »
AIDS in Africa is the most threatening disease ; regardless, of all the advances achieved in modern medicine. Guest points out that not only do soldiers and migration help the virus to cross borders, but prostitution, witchcraft, and some cultural beliefs worsen the problem « some young African women believe that without regular infusions of sperm, they will not grow up to be beautiful » these myths must be « rebutted » he adds.
Guest , with powerful arguments and an exceptional lively style , is able to convince the reader that the misery of Africa is caused by African themselves. To solidify his statements, he quotes from The great African Novelist, Chinua Achebe: “ The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. There is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian character. There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian land or climate or water or air or anything else. The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility, of the challenge of personal example which are the hallmarks of true leadership. » In fact, all the external factors mentioned so far can be successfully overcome if the people in power were not corrupt. African countries would have progressed, he added, if their leaders believed in democracy and engaged seriously in promising projects.
Finally, Robert Guest ,through his amazing book , has shed light on the major problems hindering Africa’s improvement. He clearly believes that African countries can improve. It is through access to primary education, reducing bureaucracy, privatisation and fundamentally embracing the free market that these countries will prosper.
Most of the African countries are tropical. Such weather is convenient for many deadly diseases to flourish “Africa has the worst of them: Malaria, Yellow Fever, rare but deadly viruses such as Ebola, and a host of energy sapping parasites”.
Another factor to blame for Africa’s misfortune is slavery. Although Guest doesn’t consider slavery a serious element contributing to Africa’s poverty for the reason that « the Trans Atlantic slave trade ended in the 19th Century,” so that can hardly explain 21 st Century problems, but , in fact, it has tremendous negative aspects on the history of most of African countries.
Guest admits that it is « easy to find colonial roots for modern problems ». South Africa ; for instance, was one of the first African countries to gain independence ; however, it remained under the control of a white minority through a biased unfair system of racial segregation known as apartheid until 1994. Practically, African countries have gained their independence, but the colonialists have left most countries under ethnic conflicts and disputes over borders that are intently left ambiguous with neighbouring countries. Guest claims that the colonialists « left deep scars. » but he adds « they also left behind some helpful things such as roads, clinics and laws. » despite all these problems handed down from the colonialists, Guest still doesn’t consider all these unfortunate defects excuses for the modern problems believing that « If colonialism was what held Africa back, you would expect the continent to have boomed when the settlers left. »
AIDS in Africa is the most threatening disease ; regardless, of all the advances achieved in modern medicine. Guest points out that not only do soldiers and migration help the virus to cross borders, but prostitution, witchcraft, and some cultural beliefs worsen the problem « some young African women believe that without regular infusions of sperm, they will not grow up to be beautiful » these myths must be « rebutted » he adds.
Guest , with powerful arguments and an exceptional lively style , is able to convince the reader that the misery of Africa is caused by African themselves. To solidify his statements, he quotes from The great African Novelist, Chinua Achebe: “ The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. There is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian character. There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian land or climate or water or air or anything else. The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility, of the challenge of personal example which are the hallmarks of true leadership. » In fact, all the external factors mentioned so far can be successfully overcome if the people in power were not corrupt. African countries would have progressed, he added, if their leaders believed in democracy and engaged seriously in promising projects.
Finally, Robert Guest ,through his amazing book , has shed light on the major problems hindering Africa’s improvement. He clearly believes that African countries can improve. It is through access to primary education, reducing bureaucracy, privatisation and fundamentally embracing the free market that these countries will prosper.
May 10, 2011
The Shackled Continent asks the all-important question about Africa; why is it the only continent that has grown poorer over the last 3 decades". Robert Guests applies his years of experience covering the continent for the Economist magazine and traveling throughout Africa. Though his opinions may be controversial with African governments and westerners alike, they do make a lot of sense.
It is a fact that Africa was carved up, ruled and exploited by colonial powers for centuries. There is no denying that the forced migration of millions of Africans and the establishment of puppet governments were unjust and both contributed to Africa's modern problems. However, African leaders and western powers and special interests have been using history for far too long as a shield to avoid taking responsibility for recent failures. Corrupt African governments, ill planned foreign aid, political instability and inconsistent policy have all contributed to keeping Africa in the third world.
Mr. Guest points out that European colonialism has not been limited to Africa. Yet, Japan, India, China and the US have become industrial and technological powers despite being colonized at one point or another. In each of those cases the bulk of development came from within, even with foreign assistance. The question becomes, what makes Africa different?
As was obvious from the start of the book, Guest is a strong advocate of a free market and of smarter assistance to Africa. By way of example, he shows that the most successful nations have had stable, peaceful governments (at least by comparison), have had wise monetary policies and have encouraged direct foreign investment. The least successful nations have been marked by conflict and instability or had autocratic governments and closed markets. In sum, nation that are closed off to innovation and investment or are heavily dependent on state subsidies to industry will remain underdeveloped. One memorable passage responds to opponents of multinational corporate expansion into Africa on the grounds that the jobs they create are exploitative of a population that will accept less pay. Guest offers the opinion that, with exceptions for worker and environmental safety, such jobs are better than the alternative (no jobs and poverty).
Guest does not propose to definitively solve such an intractable problem such as poverty in Africa but it does add to the discussion on the future of Africa:
My five take aways from the book:
1) Continuously blaming colonialism and racism for Africa's problems offers no solutions and distracts from the mistakes being made today. Corrupt or incompetent African governments, who happen to be black, often use the specter of colonialism to distract from their own problems.
2) Capitalism - the best way for African countries to succeed in the modern economy is to produce or develop things other people want to buy.
3) Africa has often been held back by both autocrats that steal public money and idealistic governments with a reliance on socialism and state-owned industries that become unsustainable without massive public subsidies.
4) More foreign aid alone may not be the best use of money. Foreign assistance needs to be given to stable counties that have sensible and sustainable economic policies. Direct aid should be given with the greatest benefit in mind; such as increasing the availability of inexpensive medication for Malaria or HIV. In order to get the best use of assistance, African governments should not be forced to spend more resources on reporting than on the actual programing.
5) Finally, the quickest way for developed nations to support Africans would be to take down their own economic protections. More than anything else, the west's generous farm subsidies bring the price of goods so low that African producers either cannot compete or have to sell their own goods at a loss. In this way, the U.S and Europe maintain such a trade advantage on Africa and make it that much harder for Africans to develop their economies.
It is a fact that Africa was carved up, ruled and exploited by colonial powers for centuries. There is no denying that the forced migration of millions of Africans and the establishment of puppet governments were unjust and both contributed to Africa's modern problems. However, African leaders and western powers and special interests have been using history for far too long as a shield to avoid taking responsibility for recent failures. Corrupt African governments, ill planned foreign aid, political instability and inconsistent policy have all contributed to keeping Africa in the third world.
Mr. Guest points out that European colonialism has not been limited to Africa. Yet, Japan, India, China and the US have become industrial and technological powers despite being colonized at one point or another. In each of those cases the bulk of development came from within, even with foreign assistance. The question becomes, what makes Africa different?
As was obvious from the start of the book, Guest is a strong advocate of a free market and of smarter assistance to Africa. By way of example, he shows that the most successful nations have had stable, peaceful governments (at least by comparison), have had wise monetary policies and have encouraged direct foreign investment. The least successful nations have been marked by conflict and instability or had autocratic governments and closed markets. In sum, nation that are closed off to innovation and investment or are heavily dependent on state subsidies to industry will remain underdeveloped. One memorable passage responds to opponents of multinational corporate expansion into Africa on the grounds that the jobs they create are exploitative of a population that will accept less pay. Guest offers the opinion that, with exceptions for worker and environmental safety, such jobs are better than the alternative (no jobs and poverty).
Guest does not propose to definitively solve such an intractable problem such as poverty in Africa but it does add to the discussion on the future of Africa:
My five take aways from the book:
1) Continuously blaming colonialism and racism for Africa's problems offers no solutions and distracts from the mistakes being made today. Corrupt or incompetent African governments, who happen to be black, often use the specter of colonialism to distract from their own problems.
2) Capitalism - the best way for African countries to succeed in the modern economy is to produce or develop things other people want to buy.
3) Africa has often been held back by both autocrats that steal public money and idealistic governments with a reliance on socialism and state-owned industries that become unsustainable without massive public subsidies.
4) More foreign aid alone may not be the best use of money. Foreign assistance needs to be given to stable counties that have sensible and sustainable economic policies. Direct aid should be given with the greatest benefit in mind; such as increasing the availability of inexpensive medication for Malaria or HIV. In order to get the best use of assistance, African governments should not be forced to spend more resources on reporting than on the actual programing.
5) Finally, the quickest way for developed nations to support Africans would be to take down their own economic protections. More than anything else, the west's generous farm subsidies bring the price of goods so low that African producers either cannot compete or have to sell their own goods at a loss. In this way, the U.S and Europe maintain such a trade advantage on Africa and make it that much harder for Africans to develop their economies.
October 23, 2009
Overall I thought Guest did a pretty solid job of remaining objective--or as objective as a columnist for the Economist can get. The anecdotes were entertaining and proved most of his points very well. For the most part, his conclusions were fairly intuitive. His solvency recommendations for Africa (revolving around having competent leadership, readjusting how aid is dispersed, adjusting trade barriers, etc) were pragmatic and easily understandable, though just *how* these recommendations might occur is still to be seen.
As someone who doesn't know much about Africa, it was pretty easily understood. Not much in the way of historical analysis, but that didn't really detract for me (and was almost a relief). The writing was snappy.
I give three stars because I don't think Guest spent enough time refuting the environmentalist/labor rights problems that go along with several of his arguments. Certainly having jobs is better than having none, but considering how easy it is to exploit in this day and age, there ought to be an acceptable happy medium. I'm not saying try to offer jobs at developed country's standards, but at the very least, don't turn these guys into China: economic development at all costs, including creating more health problems, ugly cities, dangerous workplaces, etc.
The information in the book was occasionally repetitive, as well, though I might have noticed more because I read it over the course of three days. Sometimes, I would have liked more information on certain arguments (especially about genetically modified plants, since I know next to nothing about what makes them so good/bad). I also feel that Guest's recommendation, well all well and good and pragmatic, don't really go far into *policy* recommendations. Thus it's a great read for me, as a civilian who's just trying to learn, but in terms of concrete, *likely* steps for someone in a rich country to take, well, there wasn't much available. (This was my reaction to his recommendation that the US stop subsidizing farmers, or at least decrease subsidies--a recommendation I agree with. "HAH! Oh, right, yeah, I can *totally* see that happening.)
Regardless of the above faults, which some might not find as faults, I thought it was interesting and I'd recommend it as a nice overview of the current (ish) Africa situation. Keep in mind that it was published originally in 2004, the paperback came out in 2005, so several of the facts are a bit old. It would be interesting to see how they've changed in the past 5-10 years.
As someone who doesn't know much about Africa, it was pretty easily understood. Not much in the way of historical analysis, but that didn't really detract for me (and was almost a relief). The writing was snappy.
I give three stars because I don't think Guest spent enough time refuting the environmentalist/labor rights problems that go along with several of his arguments. Certainly having jobs is better than having none, but considering how easy it is to exploit in this day and age, there ought to be an acceptable happy medium. I'm not saying try to offer jobs at developed country's standards, but at the very least, don't turn these guys into China: economic development at all costs, including creating more health problems, ugly cities, dangerous workplaces, etc.
The information in the book was occasionally repetitive, as well, though I might have noticed more because I read it over the course of three days. Sometimes, I would have liked more information on certain arguments (especially about genetically modified plants, since I know next to nothing about what makes them so good/bad). I also feel that Guest's recommendation, well all well and good and pragmatic, don't really go far into *policy* recommendations. Thus it's a great read for me, as a civilian who's just trying to learn, but in terms of concrete, *likely* steps for someone in a rich country to take, well, there wasn't much available. (This was my reaction to his recommendation that the US stop subsidizing farmers, or at least decrease subsidies--a recommendation I agree with. "HAH! Oh, right, yeah, I can *totally* see that happening.)
Regardless of the above faults, which some might not find as faults, I thought it was interesting and I'd recommend it as a nice overview of the current (ish) Africa situation. Keep in mind that it was published originally in 2004, the paperback came out in 2005, so several of the facts are a bit old. It would be interesting to see how they've changed in the past 5-10 years.
July 20, 2018
Before writing this review, I researched the author to find out who he is. I discovered that Robert is a foreign editor for the Economist and appears on two renowned news channels. He also covered Africa for seven years and I think that is what gave him the audacity to write such a prejudiced book about Africa. Take nothing away from Mr Guest, he did his homework well and brought out all the negatives about Africa - just look at his title.
So, what is this book about? Economics. It is about a capitalist author comparing African economies with the rest of the world to prove how far behind Africa is. It is known, whenever African economies are compared to western countries Africa lags behind. Sadly, authors like Robert do not take into account other facets of development when Africa is the subject. In this and many others books, Africa’s underdevelopment is more pronounced. Walter Rodney (an authors with a close connection to Africa) argued that, “if underdevelopment were related to anything other than comparing economies, then the most underdeveloped country in the world would be the USA, which practices external oppression on a massive scale, while internally there is a blend of exploitation, brutality and psychiatric disorder”. If we take Rodney’s argument, the western world needs to reconsider what they call development. People like Robert who pretend to be offering progressive solutions for the “shackled continent” would think twice before writing such books. In hindsight, the issue of Africa’s underdevelopment depends on who is telling the story and in most cases, the story is told by a non-Africans (how ironic).
My problem with such books is that they become international bestsellers and the people who buy them build their perceptions of Africa based on them. Robert portrays Africans as violent, corrupt, dependent on aid and with no initiative – thus my use of prejudice. Bob Geldof (a rock star) with equally questionable knowledge of Africa even had the audacity to endorse this book as, “an excellent book. Timely, provocative and written throughout with a passion for Africa and Africans”. I don’t think so Bob! This book was written to depict Africa for what it is not. To portray lost hope and offer solutions to keep Africa subservient rather than self-dependent. To destroy these perceptions, we need to start telling our stories otherwise Mr Guest and his friends will continue telling the world lies. 21st century Africans should feel insulted by this book because we are making the new Africa.
So, what is this book about? Economics. It is about a capitalist author comparing African economies with the rest of the world to prove how far behind Africa is. It is known, whenever African economies are compared to western countries Africa lags behind. Sadly, authors like Robert do not take into account other facets of development when Africa is the subject. In this and many others books, Africa’s underdevelopment is more pronounced. Walter Rodney (an authors with a close connection to Africa) argued that, “if underdevelopment were related to anything other than comparing economies, then the most underdeveloped country in the world would be the USA, which practices external oppression on a massive scale, while internally there is a blend of exploitation, brutality and psychiatric disorder”. If we take Rodney’s argument, the western world needs to reconsider what they call development. People like Robert who pretend to be offering progressive solutions for the “shackled continent” would think twice before writing such books. In hindsight, the issue of Africa’s underdevelopment depends on who is telling the story and in most cases, the story is told by a non-Africans (how ironic).
My problem with such books is that they become international bestsellers and the people who buy them build their perceptions of Africa based on them. Robert portrays Africans as violent, corrupt, dependent on aid and with no initiative – thus my use of prejudice. Bob Geldof (a rock star) with equally questionable knowledge of Africa even had the audacity to endorse this book as, “an excellent book. Timely, provocative and written throughout with a passion for Africa and Africans”. I don’t think so Bob! This book was written to depict Africa for what it is not. To portray lost hope and offer solutions to keep Africa subservient rather than self-dependent. To destroy these perceptions, we need to start telling our stories otherwise Mr Guest and his friends will continue telling the world lies. 21st century Africans should feel insulted by this book because we are making the new Africa.
September 28, 2007
It's a non-technical book by the Africa editor of The Economist seeking to help answer the question: Why is Africa so poor?
Sub-Saharan Africa's poverty has become the central focus of development discussions in the popular press and amongst NGOs over the last year or so. As someone not very familiar with development literature specific to the continent, I found the book to be an excellent primer on Africa.
Given my greater familiarity with development literature generally, I found Guest to be at his best when delivering detailed historical accounts (such as Robert Mugabe's wrecking of Zimbabwe, the failure of ANC economic policy in South Africa, and disastrous civil wars), telling entrancing personal narratives (such as his journey on a truck delivering Guinness in Cameroon or troubles warding off prostitutes), or offering amusing asides (such as his use of a North Korean computer operating system). These gems aren't found in the other books I've read.
Unfortunately, much of the content in this non-technical text will be familiar to those that have read books like Johan Norberg's In Defense of Global Capitalism and William Easterly's The Elusive Quest for Growth. As such, I found the book at its weakest when it was covering well-treaded ground such as agricultural subsidies, the failure of development assistance, and the lack of transparent property rights.
Nonetheless, for those with more than a passing interest in development, I'd recommend The Shackled Continent.
My most serious complaint: The introduction, which at twenty-five pages (10% of the total) is far too long, provides an outline of the topics to be covered so exhaustive that one later reads many sections with a sense of deja vu.
Sub-Saharan Africa's poverty has become the central focus of development discussions in the popular press and amongst NGOs over the last year or so. As someone not very familiar with development literature specific to the continent, I found the book to be an excellent primer on Africa.
Given my greater familiarity with development literature generally, I found Guest to be at his best when delivering detailed historical accounts (such as Robert Mugabe's wrecking of Zimbabwe, the failure of ANC economic policy in South Africa, and disastrous civil wars), telling entrancing personal narratives (such as his journey on a truck delivering Guinness in Cameroon or troubles warding off prostitutes), or offering amusing asides (such as his use of a North Korean computer operating system). These gems aren't found in the other books I've read.
Unfortunately, much of the content in this non-technical text will be familiar to those that have read books like Johan Norberg's In Defense of Global Capitalism and William Easterly's The Elusive Quest for Growth. As such, I found the book at its weakest when it was covering well-treaded ground such as agricultural subsidies, the failure of development assistance, and the lack of transparent property rights.
Nonetheless, for those with more than a passing interest in development, I'd recommend The Shackled Continent.
My most serious complaint: The introduction, which at twenty-five pages (10% of the total) is far too long, provides an outline of the topics to be covered so exhaustive that one later reads many sections with a sense of deja vu.
July 8, 2013
A thought-provoking book by the Business Editor of The Economist who spent 7 years as The Economist's Africa correspondent. Although he concludes that a major cause of Africa's lack of progress since independence is that it's had and has more than its fair share of incompetent, impractical, and outright predatory leaders, he also identifies other causes which Africans and African countries have little or no control over, like geography, the AIDS epidemic, foreign trade barriers and subsidies, and poorly-planned aid.
He also opines that slavery and colonization, while deplorable, cannot be held responsible for the continent's current plight because other countries in the world have had similar experiences and have recovered and progressed.
But most importantly, despite the dark picture he paints in general, there are bright spots on the continent that give rise to hope for the future. Countries like Botswana, Tanzania, and South Africa have made enormous strides and not fallen prey to the serious ethnic and leadership problems plaguing most of the continent's nations, despite having similar conditions that could easily have led them down the same path.
Now I'd like to see a book that explores more deeply why certain countries have been able to make progress while others stagnate and even regress. What makes the difference? No doubt there isn't a simple answer, but in my opinion, it's worth investigating.
He also opines that slavery and colonization, while deplorable, cannot be held responsible for the continent's current plight because other countries in the world have had similar experiences and have recovered and progressed.
But most importantly, despite the dark picture he paints in general, there are bright spots on the continent that give rise to hope for the future. Countries like Botswana, Tanzania, and South Africa have made enormous strides and not fallen prey to the serious ethnic and leadership problems plaguing most of the continent's nations, despite having similar conditions that could easily have led them down the same path.
Now I'd like to see a book that explores more deeply why certain countries have been able to make progress while others stagnate and even regress. What makes the difference? No doubt there isn't a simple answer, but in my opinion, it's worth investigating.
April 13, 2012
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. But I felt like it was really well written, and held my interest very well. I'm pretty easily swayed when it comes to things like this, so all of Guest's analysis seems very logical to me. The main thing I took issue with was the fact that so much of what he prescribes for Africa is the opposite of what I believe in. Guest seems to think that capitalism is a must, that globalization and free trade are entirely positive, and that success must be measured by the GDP. I understand that the GDP is important, but I hate the idea that the only successful economic model is the growth-based model. I find it interesting, for example, that while many are focusing on the buy-local movement, Guest blames the West for exactly that kind of thinking, saying that the inability to trade textiles and produce is one of the main factors holding Africa back. However, even though I reject some of his prescriptions from the Western perspective, I can't say that he's wrong from the African perspective. It was interesting to think about, to say the least.
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