Can Africa Claim the 21st Century?

'Can Africa Claim the 21st Century?' is a product of the growing collaboration among some of the main institutions involved in African development: the African Development Bank, the African Economic Research Consortium, the Global Coalition for Africa, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and the World Bank. More than 50 scholars, policymakers, and development practitioners―predominantly African―appraised the region's development at the start of the new century and articulated a road map for the future.

Despite the enormous challenges facing a region caught in deep poverty, the message of the report is eminently optimistic. Development in Africa is possible―and the 21st century offers the region a chance to take its proper place on the world stage. Never before have the momentum and goodwill for change been better. But the consolidation of the momentum requires Africans to take a more active, business-like approach to governance and economic management. The report provides a broad business plan that countries can adapt―while also arguing for better, more effective partnerships between Africa and its development partners.