Can African countries mimic Asia’s economic success? With Joe Studwell

Africa is traditionally seen as a continent of immense resources, let down by poor governance and excessive violence. Joe Studwell disagrees. In his book, How Africa Works, Studwell flips those assumptions upside down, and argues that low population density, a brutal disease burden and "low-budget" colonialism have hampered the continent’s development. Now, Studwell says, Africa is in a position to follow the blueprint for rapid advancement set by some of Asia’s most impressive economies, such as China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Host Soumaya Keynes and Studwell discuss the policy mix African nations should follow, the problems with "leapfrog" development and how "keeping up with the Joneses" could drive continent-wide development.

Further Reading

African economies are more resilient than ever

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Presented by Soumaya Keynes. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound design by Breen Turner.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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