Paper short abstract:

This paper provides a critical analysis of Africa’s current development trajectory. It unpacks the complexities associated with African developmental efforts in an increasingly globalising world.

Paper long abstract:

This paper provides a critical analysis of Africa's current development trajectory. It unpacks the complexities associated with African developmental efforts in an increasingly globalising world. The paper departs from a premise that, sustained economic growth recorded recently in many African countries reveals the continent's sense of urgency and its growing stature as an important global player. It bears testimony to its potential to be at the frontier of economic growth and ultimately, to be one of the poles of global development. However, with a business as usual approach and failure to address endemic structural, economical and political policy and governance challenges, the newly found courage, optimism and inspiration in the continent might fade away. The continent might miss the opportunity to achieve the development vision espoused in the African Union Constitutive Act and the internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals. It might just retain its Western moniker as a 'development laggard'- one that is marred by hopelessness.