Africa is the world’s fastest-growing region, yet it still grapples with extreme poverty. How can African countries leapfrog traditional development phases and generate sufficient employment for their rapidly expanding labour force?

In Africa’s Road to Prosperity, futurist and Africa analyst Jakkie Cilliers looks at the main forces that will shape the continent’s economic and political future. Large investments in infrastructure and energy efficiency are essential, as is improved regional trade integration. But African countries will only be able to modernise their economies if the influence of traditional leaders on matters such as land management and ownership is curbed.

Cilliers argues that Africa’s convergence with global income levels is certainly possible if the right steps are taken.

Essential reading for anyone interested in what it will take to make Africa thrive.