Innovating development strategies in Africa: The role of international, regional, and national actors

On Tuesday, October 31, the Brookings Africa Growth Initiative hosted former President of Malawi H.E. Joyce Banda and World Bank Chief Economist for Africa Albert Zeufack for a discussion on a new book by Rubenstein Fellow Landry Signé, “Innovating Development Strategies in Africa: The Role of International, Regional and National Actors.”

Post-colonial Africa is replete with examples of national strategies for economic transformation. While scholars often highlight failed country and continental strategies, they tend to overlook innovations that lead to substantial breakthroughs in the medium- to long-term. Such innovations are, for example, partly responsible of the exceptional post-2000 economic performance that originated the “Africa Rising” narrative. In addition to reviewing several continental strategies and country examples, the book explores why, how, and when institutional or policy change occurs in Africa. What are the roles of international, regional, and national actors? And how might policymakers both incorporate successful strategies and encourage policy innovation in their own spheres?

Signé presented the key themes of his book after which there was a panel discussion moderated by Carl LeVan of American University.