AFRICA'S ROAD TO PROSPERITY, 10 things to know

319pp., paperback, Tafelberg, Cape Town, 2026

ISBN: 9780624096818

Futurist and Africa analyst Jakkie Cilliers discusses what must be done if African countries are to leapfrog traditional development phases and generate sufficient employment for their rapidly expanding labour force. He argues that large investments in infrastructure and energy efficiency, as well as improved regional trade integration are essential - and that the influence of traditional leaders on matters such as land management and ownership needs to be curbed.

"An excellent, data-driven analysis of the obstacles and opportunities of African development trajectories projected into 2050. The idea that Africa will not make much progress without a demographic transition is persuasive and informs the entire work." Gilbert Khadiagala, Professor Emeritus of International Relations, WITS

"Dr Cilliers brings realism and rationality to the debate over Africa's possible futures. The book is rooted in pertinent data and scientific methods. It allows us to debunk the commonly repeated, easy narratives that lead to wrong strategies. His emphasis on understanding interconnected transitions is an essential factor in assessing Africa's future intelligently, A must-read." Ibrahim A Mayaki, former Prime Minister of Niger, former CEO of NEPAD Planing and Coordinating Agency and AUDA-NEPAD, African Union Special Envoy on Food Systems

Dr Jakkie Cilliers is the founder of the Institute for Security Studies and served as Executive Director until 2015. He is also an Extraordinary Professor at the Centre of Human Rights and the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria. His books include Africa First! Igniting a growth revolution and The Future of Africa: Challenges and opportunities.