At the heart of political economy is how politics affects the economy and vice versa. This book offers insights into the political economy of the public policy dynamics of the African economy and society. Borrowing from contemporary theories of policy change, this book raises fundamental questions about the political economy of development in Africa vis-à-vis the compatibility of neoliberal policy instruments and paradigms with traditional African values and beliefs – particularly the African philosophy of Ubuntu.

The implications of path dependence and the vestiges of colonialism are examined for the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Renaissance. From local communities and NGOs to African governments and international development agencies, to build the Africa we want, the author argues, a multi-stakeholder development policy and programming framework which recognizes Africa’s vastly heterogenous economies and societies is needed.

In the Schumpeterian tradition, the book advances policy entrepreneurship for strengthening policy capacity and bridging existing practical knowledge gaps – through innovative and creative approaches.

The author emphasizes the power of the market for policy innovation.