Many have tried to explain Africa, but most have failed. What have they missed? The Dark Continent remains in continuous transition. Many of its communities are based around ancient or feudal structures, while others have modernised but experienced turbulent times. Modernity in Africa has largely been scattered and thinly-rooted, but it now needs to be dynamic in order to sustain and enhance development for the future.

In Africa’s Future: Darkness to Destiny, renowned African oil expert and economist Duncan Clarke provides a prism for understanding the continent’s complex history and important future in a clear and comprehensive fashion. He critiques past attempts to explain Africa’s predicament, and tackles the issues confronting its future growth, from demography, poverty and inequality, to nation state flaws, institutional deficiencies and power struggles.