This study provides an empirical review of the role of governments, the private sector, regional economic institutions and the broader international community in driving economic diversification. Individual case studies of five African economies describe both the catalysts of and barriers to...

Introduction -- The complexities and uncertainties of development -- The domestic context -- History and the legacy of colonialism -- Big men, personal rule and patronage politics -- Violent conflict and civil war -- Political change and democratization -- Core development questions -- Africa's...