Books in the Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development series

Drawing on field-based data and experiences from the practice of democratic decentralization and local governance over the last three decades in Ghana, this book examines whether and how democratic decentralization and local governance reforms in developing countries have produced the anticipated development outcomes.In seventeen related contributions, the authors present four relevant focal themes, including conceptual and historical trajectories of decentralization and local governance; institutional choice, democratic representation, and poverty reduction; local governance, resource capacity, and service delivery; and non-state actors, local governance and sustainable development. The book blends perspectives of scholars, practitioners, and policy-makers to provide a holistic analysis of linkages between decentralization, local governance, and sustainable development efforts, presenting a novel and useful guide for science, policy, and practice of bottom-up governance and development. It provides relevant lessons and experiences for scholars, policy-makers, and development practitioners in Africa in particular and developing countries in general.

This book presents a holistic perspective and analysis of democratic practice, processes, and governance in South Africa. It examines the development in the South African governing system and its response to the challenges of the crisis of governance under the influence of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). While doing so, the book's central objective is to examine the progress of the South African government in strengthening democracy and political governance. Each of the contributions follows a similar structure and addresses the following thematic issues: (1) Assessment of the implementation of the core APRM-related programs; (2) Identification of areas of excellence and prognosis for further improvement; (3) Identification of the weak areas of each and how to make the future implementation better, (4) Identification areas to improve democracy and political governance.  A self-assessment strategy initiated by the African Union (AU) in 2002 and adopted in 2003, the APRM is a voluntary mechanism adopted by countries in the African continent to improve governance in general. As a specialized AU agency, APRM monitors the peer review activities of each African country. It serves as a tool for sharing experiences, reinforcing best practices, identifying deficiencies, and assessing capacity-building needs to foster policies, standards, and practices that lead to political stability, high economic growth, sustainable development, and accelerated sub-regional and continental economic integration.  This book will be useful for and appeal to scholars and researchers in political science, public administration, and the social sciences in general, as well as policy-makers interested in a better understanding of democratic practice and processes, governance, public policy, and the African Peer Review Mechanism.

This book presents a snapshot of a major challenge, and shares subjective views on various areas of conflict in Africa and the diverse - theoretical and practical - efforts to achieve peace. Following an essential review of several real-world conflict contexts on the African continent and attempts to come to terms with them critically as a first step, the book explores the lessons learned to date with regard to peace studies in Africa.

This book explores multiple challenges faced by democratization in Southern Africa. Applying a wider lens to the concept of political transition and employing a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches, the contributions gathered here explore residual political cultural practices that hinder democratic consolidation in Southern Africa. Presenting various case studies, the book tackles themes such as the military-political nexus, leadership renewal, constitutionalism, electoral politics, election violence, marginalization of women, civil society and political transition, media framing and transitional justice. Written from a multidisciplinary perspective and drawing on empirical data from multiple sources, this edited volume challenges orthodox conceptualizations of political transition. The book will be of interest to students and scholars of political science, African studies, and related fields, as well as policy-makers and professionals interested in thelatest political developments in Southern Africa.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the African air transport market from a strategic management perspective.Drawing on well-grounded theories, research applications and real-world case studies, it examines competition dynamics, interconnectivity, the growth of low-cost carriers, and demand patterns in air transport for both passenger and cargo traffic. It also presents an expert analysis on the introduction of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), made possible by the liberalization of the air transport market, from a regulatory perspective. Based on the results of the analysis, the book evaluates both the benefits and limitations of an open skies agreement. Furthermore, it shed lights on the challenges and complexities of African public infrastructure investments and airport financing, discusses the impact of COVID-19, and provides strategic recommendations for airlines.The book is aimed at professionals in aviation and airline industries and students interested in the African air transport market.

This book investigates whether legislative institutions, state and national, in Nigeriäs Fourth Republic have been able to harness constitutional powers to impact public policy. Presenting how the Nigerian state has not been able to showcase the expected dividends of presidential democracy since 1999, it analyzes the crisis of governance and its impact on political stability, social cohesion, and the livelihood of citizens. The book further discusses the depreciating infrastructure, corruption, and mismanagement of public resources, and shows how defiant attitudes of public political and bureaucratic officials define the new wave of corruption and profligacy in Nigeria, presenting this development as a result of a weakened legislature. The book displays the necessity of implementing a culture of accountability and discusses oversight mechanisms to make the executive accountable. These mechanisms are designed to ensure effective public service delivery. Finally, the book situates the legislative institutions in Nigeria within the context of the contributions of the National Assembly and the Assemblies of the State Houses to the development of this emerging democracy in Africa. The book will appeal to students and scholars of political science and public administration, as well as policy-makers and practitioners interested in a better understanding of democracy, separation of powers, governance, and Nigerian politics.

This book examines the governance and democratization process in Africa, its history, trends, and prospects. Written by a diverse panel of experts, the book provides an intersectional and interdisciplinary analysis of Africa's democratic environment. Chapters cover topics such as the evolution of democracy in Africa, electoral politics, gender, activism, human rights, and cultural diversity. Critically assessing the fit of democracy for African countries and offering strategies for the Africanization of democracy, this volume will be important for researchers and students interested in African politics, postcolonial theory, democracy, and governance.  

This book examines the epistemological, political, and socio-economic consequences of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) for Africa. Presenting various case studies on epistemic freedom, theology, race and robotics, tertiary education, political and economic transformation, human capital, and governance, it debates whether the 4IR will be part of the solution to the African problem, namely that of coloniality in its various forms. Solving the African problem using the 4IR requires ethical, just and epistemologically independent leadership. However, the lack of ICT infrastructure militates against Africa's endeavours to make the 4IR a problem-solving moment. To its credit, Africa possesses some of the major capital needed (human, mineral, and social), and it constitutes a huge market comprising a young population eager to participate in the 4IR as problem-solvers and not as a problem to be solved-as equal citizens and not as the marginalized other.

This book discusses the prospects for the development of the African continent as part of the emerging system of international relations in the twenty-first century. African countries are playing an increasingly important part in the current system of international relations. Nevertheless, even 60 years after gaining their independence, most of them are confronted with regional and global issues that are directly related to their colonial past and its influence. Due to Africa's wealth of natural and geopolitical resources, the possibility of interference in the internal affairs of African countries on the part of new and traditional global actors remains very real.Leading Africanists, together with international scholars from both international relations and African studies, examine the experience of decolonization, the impact of the emergence of a unipolar world on the African continent, and the growing influence of new international actors on the African continent in the twenty-first century. In addition, the importance of African countries' foreign policy concepts and ideological attitudes in the post-bipolar period is revealed.  "e;This volume strengthens the intellectual bridge between Russian, African and Western scholars of international relations. Strongly recommended!"e;Vladimir G. Shubin, Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences "e;This book presents a wide range of prominent global scholars who bring a wealth of knowledge on the subject of Africa and the world."e;    Gilbert Khadiagala, Jan Smuts Professor of International Relations and Director of the African Centre for the Study of the USA (ACSUS) at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. "e;As a genuine contribution to the field of international relations and Global South Agency, this book should be in every institution of higher education's library."e; Lembe Tiky, Director of Academic Development, International Studies Association.

This edited volume explores Nigeriäs domestic and international politics and its implications for the country¿s national development and international status. Coinciding with the twenty year anniversary of Nigeriäs return to democratic rule, this volume considers the state of democracy in Nigeria and examines its successes and challenges with a view towards offering possible solutions for the country¿s future development. The first half of the volume addresses domestic politics, focusing on current issues such as the 2019 elections, Nigerian federalism, media, state-civil society relations, and Boko Haram terrorism. The second half looks at Nigeriäs relations with its African neighbors, discussing the relationships between Nigeria and South Africa, Egypt, Ghana, and Cameroon, among others. Engaging the full spectrum of the politics of a rising African power, this volume will be of interest to students and researchers of comparative politics, international relations, foreignpolicy, African studies, regional politics, peace, security, conflict, and development studies, as well as African policymakers.

This book constitutes a critical review of Nigeria's attempts to achieve rapid industrial development since independence from Britain in 1960.

This volume engages in an in-depth discussion of Nigerian politics. Written by an expert group of Nigerian researchers, the chapters provide an overarching, Afrocentric view of politics in Nigeria, from pre-colonial history to the current federal system. The book begins with a series of historical chapters analyzing the development of Nigeria from its traditional political institutions through the First Republic. After establishing the necessary historical context, the next few chapters shift the focus to specific political institutions and phenomena, including the National Assembly, local government and governance, party politics, and federalism. The remaining chapters discuss issues that continue to affect Nigerian politics: the debt crisis, oil politics in the Niger Delta, military intervention and civil-military relations, as well as nationalism and inter-group relations. Providing an overview of Nigerian politics that encompasses history, economics,and public administration, this volume will be useful to students and researchers interested in African politics, African studies, democracy, development, history, and legislative studies.

This book examines social, economic and political issues in West, Eastern and Southern Africa in relation to borders, human mobility and regional integration.

This book discusses the prospects for the development of the African continent as part of the emerging system of international relations in the twenty-first century. African countries are playing an increasingly important part in the current system of international relations. Nevertheless, even 60 years after gaining their independence, most of them are confronted with regional and global issues that are directly related to their colonial past and its influence. Due to Africäs wealth of natural and geopolitical resources, the possibility of interference in the internal affairs of African countries on the part of new and traditional global actors remains very real.Leading Africanists, together with international scholars from both international relations and African studies, examine the experience of decolonization, the impact of the emergence of a unipolar world on the African continent, and the growing influence of new international actors on the African continent in the twenty-first century. In addition, the importance of African countries¿ foreign policy concepts and ideological attitudes in the post-bipolar period is revealed. ¿This volume strengthens the intellectual bridge between Russian, African and Western scholars of international relations. Strongly recommended!¿Vladimir G. Shubin, Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences ¿This book presents a wide range of prominent global scholars who bring a wealth of knowledge on the subject of Africa and the world.¿ Gilbert Khadiagala, Jan Smuts Professor of International Relations and Director of the African Centre for the Study of the USA (ACSUS) at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. ¿As a genuine contribution to the field of international relations and Global South Agency, this book should be in every institution of higher education¿s library.¿ Lembe Tiky, Director of Academic Development, International Studies Association.

This book examines the epistemological, political, and socio-economic consequences of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) for Africa.

This volume engages in an in-depth discussion of Nigerian politics. Written by an expert group of Nigerian researchers, the chapters provide an overarching, Afrocentric view of politics in Nigeria, from pre-colonial history to the current federal system. The book begins with a series of historical chapters analyzing the development of Nigeria from its traditional political institutions through the First Republic. After establishing the necessary historical context, the next few chapters shift the focus to specific political institutions and phenomena, including the National Assembly, local government and governance, party politics, and federalism. The remaining chapters discuss issues that continue to affect Nigerian politics: the debt crisis, oil politics in the Niger Delta, military intervention and civil-military relations, as well as nationalism and inter-group relations. Providing an overview of Nigerian politics that encompasses history, economics, and public administration, this volume will be useful to students and researchers interested in African politics, African studies, democracy, development, history, and legislative studies.

This book explores why democratization processes in Sub-Saharan Africa have made so little progress despite more than two decades of multi-party politics on the subcontinent.

Chapter 1: The Political/Administrative Interface in African Countries.- Chapter 2: The governance and management of African cities: Alternative approaches and models towards transforming into successful cities of the future.- Chapter 3: Urban decay and regeneration in the African city.- Chapter 4: Local Economic Development as an Alternative Development Strategy in Southern African Cities.- Chapter 5: Evaluating the Aerotropolis Model for African Cities: The case of the Durban Aerotropolis.- Chapter 6: African Local Governments and Cities in the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals.- Chapter 7: The Changing Notion Of Democracy And Public Participation In Cities In Africa: A Time For An Alternative.- Chapter 8: South African Cities and Corruption: A Tale of Two Cities.- Chapter 9: E-Participation as a Mechanism of Stakeholder Engagement in the City of Harare.- Chapter 10: Urbanisation and Future Smart Cities: Challenges of Water and Sanitation Services.- Chapter 11: The dynamics of councillor versus traditional leadership in South African Local Government. : A study of understanding, attitudes and perceptions.- Chapter 12: Disaster Risk Management at the Local Level:  The Case of Ethekwini City Council in South Africa.- Chapter 13: Urbanisation and the quality of growth in Uganda: The challenge of structural transformation and sustainable inclusive development.- Chapter 14: African Cities in Transition: Solutions and the Way Forward.

Part I: Development and Finance.- Part II: Financing Alternatives.

This book examines social, economic and political issues in West, Eastern and Southern Africa in relation to borders, human mobility and regional integration.

Fostering inclusive green growth in Africa means addressing existing and emerging development challenges, while efficiently managing Africa's natural capital and building resilience to environmental, social and economic risks.

Against the backdrop of the democratic transition in 1994 and the global financial crisis, the authors study how business cycles in South Africa have changed and how cycles are related to key developments in the financial markets, international trade and business sentiment in the country.

Introduction: Trade Relations, Business Opportunities and Policy Instruments for Fostering Africa''s Trade.- Africa and the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement: State of Play, Implementation Challenges and Policy Recommendations in the Digital Era.- Trade Facilitation and SPS from an African Perspective.- Does Trade Facilitation Promote Bilateral Trade in Sub-Saharan Africa? Policy and Issues.- Assessing the Role of Trade Liberalization in Facilitating Trade Flows and Economic Expansion: Evidence from ECOWAS Countries.- Promoting Connectivity of Infrastructure in the Context of One Belt, One Road Initiatives: Implications for Africa in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.- The US-China Trade War: What is Africa''s Gain?.- Strengthening the Future of U.S.-Africa Trade Relations and Business Opportunities.- Understanding the Role of Aid in Enhancing Corridor Development, and Regional Integration in West Africa: Lessons and Policy Directions for the Future.- Conclusion and Recommendations: Creating an Enabling Ecosystem for Catalyzing Africa''s Digital Economy.