Conclusion

Abstract

The book recommends complete transformation of the entire structure of foreign aid and development assistance to Africa. Such a transformation must be anchored on the understanding that poverty in Africa is primarily a result of predatory state–society relations and extractive economic and governance institutions prevalent in the region. It is this form of governance institutions that predispose the leadership to corruption and bad choices, and restrict the opportunities of the citizens for meaningful participation in the political economy of their countries. Instead of working to advance social progress and economic prosperity, predatory states create conditions of mass poverty, while diverting resources to non-productive ends. Donors have historically shied away from meddling into the hard and contentious issues of governance, besides the passive recommendations for African states to improve on governance institutions. However, moral suasion has so far failed to generate the required transformation necessary for growth and development. In order to help curb poverty in the continent, Africa’s development partners could play a critical role in helping to restructure the predatory state and its institutions.