Innovating Development Strategies in Africa

by Landry Signé (Author)

During the second half of the twentieth century, African states shifted away from state-led development strategies, and are now moving towards a strategy of regional economic integration. In this book, Landry Signé explores the key drivers of African policy and economic transformation, proposing a preeminent explanation of policy innovations in Africa through the examination of postcolonial strategies for economic development. Scholars and practitioners in fields as varied as development studies, political science and public policy, economics, sociology and African studies will benefit from Signé's unprecedented comparative analysis, including detailed cases from the often understudied Francophone Africa. First studying why, how and when institutional or policy change occurs in Africa, Signé explores the role of international, regional and national actors in making African economic development strategies from 1960 to date, highlighting the economic transformations of the twenty-first century.

Review
Advance praise: 'Innovating Development Strategies in Africa is a bold and ambitious undertaking in which Professor Landry Signé, Africa's own esteemed and world-renowned expert on international and African affairs, masterfully illustrates more than five decades of economic development strategies and transformations in Africa … As a former head of state, I have been delighted to read this inspirational book, and would have loved having access to its prodigious perspective while in office as president of Malawi. I urge everyone, especially my fellow African leaders and our international counterparts, to read this remarkable book.' Her Excellency Joyce Banda, First Female President of the Republic of Malawi

Advance praise: 'Landry Signé has succeeded in applying rigorous, original thinking to one of the most important development issues of our time: the rapid economic and political changes occurring in much of Africa. Signé's framework simultaneously captures the diversity of experiences across the continent while providing a consistent framework for understanding the forces behind these changes. This important work by a rising academic star is a must read for anyone interested in comparative politics, development policy, and international relations, especially in Africa.' Steven Radelet, Donald F. McHenry Chair in Global Human Development at Georgetown University, former Chief Economist of USAID, former Senior Adviser to the United States Secretary of State, and Adviser to Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia

Advance praise: 'This book has two major strengths. It uses a framework in which interests, ideas and institutions all matter. This is surely right, and opens avenues of enquiry that are otherwise missed. The other is that is it manageably comparative: by focusing on nine countries of Francophone Africa it has an arena in which divergence can meaningfully be explored. We need more books like this.' Paul Collier, Oxford University

Advance praise: 'This seminal book is an outstanding contribution to the understanding of the policy-making process and evolution of economic development strategies in Africa. The book is an elegant demonstration of how ideas, interests and institutions have evolved over time in Africa, including during the structural adjustment period, shaping the actions of international, regional, and national players. Landry Signé, one of the most innovative thinkers of his generation, takes the readers on an edifying journey that will change their views of Africa.' Albert G. Zeufack, Chief Economist, Africa Region, World Bank

Advance praise: 'Professor Signé has produced a much needed road map to understand how and why the continent has been and is changing, and the different variations in these processes … The book chooses the option of greater complexity, by focusing on the interaction between the three variables in order to develop a more sophisticated theory of change, in which certain choices are made, while other, perhaps more desirable choices never seemed possible, at least in some of the countries of the region.' Nicolas van de Walle, Maxwell M. Upson Professor of Government, Cornell University