S1E81 - Joe Studwell on How Africa Works

Africa’s development story is often framed through crisis or pessimism. Joe Studwell offers a different perspective. In this conversation, Studwell explains why Africa’s economic transformation is only beginning. Unlike the post-independence era, today’s Africa has the population density, urban concentration, and educational foundation necessary for sustained development.

Building on themes from How Asia Works, Studwell outlines a historical development pathway shared by successful economies: agricultural productivity, manufacturing expansion, and disciplined financial systems.

The discussion explores:

Why demographics and literacy change Africa’s economic prospectsLessons from Mauritius, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and BotswanaThe role of citie...