Compared to the 1980s and '90s, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has experienced a resurgence of economic growth, though this growth hasn't led to structural transformation. Additionally, SSA has underperformed in translating growth into positive development outcomes like poverty reduction. These patterns challenge standard growth theory, which predicts that growth at the top of the distribution will trickle down and benefit everyone. In We Are the World, the authors enrich and update research conducted over the last ten years, adding new evidence to recast the socio-economic narrative and pave the way for a candid and non-ideological debate on how to help SSA get on track. Challenging a widespread mainstream interpretation, the authors illuminate the nature, evolution, and consequences of SSA losing ground in the development race, offering a bold reform agenda to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development across the continent.

‘This book offers a comprehensive, knowledgeable, progressive and distribution-centred overview of the economics of Africa. This innovative work will inform scholars, instruct students and bring non-specialists up to speed with data and analysis from the world's most under-studied continent.'

Alfredo Saad-Filho - Queen's University Belfast, UK

‘We Are the World: Saving Africa's Future is a timely and carefully argued book that provides a thoughtful perspective on Africa's development trajectory. The authors combine rigorous analysis with a clear focus on the policies needed to foster inclusive growth and long-term progress. By highlighting both structural constraints and emerging opportunities, the book makes a valuable contribution to ongoing debates on development, equity and sustainability. It will be of interest to policymakers, scholars and practitioners alike.'

Nora Lustig - Professor Emerita, Tulane University, and Professor, Office of the President, El Colegio de Mexico