Africa and the need for a new development discourse

This article argues about the need for “a paradigm shift from managing poverty to economic transformation for Africa” as the vision for a new development discourse that Africa now needs. It notes the weaknesses of the current African development trajectory despite at times impressive growth rate and makes five suggestions around which a new development discourse can be anchored: 

1. Re-energize the development discourse, with particular emphasis on the transformation of productive capabilities and structure.  
2. Give much greater attention to industrial/urban and technology/innovation policies and strategies. 
3. Respect the approach and thinking of development institutions and strategies across Africa as they coalesce around new practices and theories of development.  
4. Explore the implications of globalization and liberalization. 
5. Promote local and national development through the institutional and productive transformation of regions.