Africa First!

What stops Africa, with its abundant natural resources, from capitalising on its boundless potential? Well-known Africa analyst Jakkie Cilliers uses 11 scenarios to unpack, in concrete terms, how the continent can ignite a growth revolution that will take millions out of poverty and into employment. Africa urgently needs much more rapid economic growth. Cilliers identifies and models fundamental transitions that are needed in agriculture, education, demographics, manufacturing and governance and shows how these changes can be brought about. The challenges the continent faces – competing in a globalised world, delivering health care and education, feeding growing populations and grappling with climate change – demand far-sighted policies and determined leadership. Cilliers offers achievable solutions based on African realities. Authoritative and engaging, this work offers a roadmap for how Africa can catch up with the rest of the world.

‘A roadmap that could turn Africa’s potential into prosperity.’ – President Cyril Ramaphosa

Dr Jakkie Cilliers is a well-known Africa analyst, author and a popular commentator. He is the founder of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and served as its executive director until 2015. The ISS is a regional think-tank with offices in Dakar, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Pretoria. Cilliers has presented numerous papers and published a number of books on matters relating to peace and security in Africa. His current interests relate to issues around South Africa and Africa’s long-term future. Cilliers is also an Extraordinary Professor at the Centre of Human Rights and the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria.

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