21st-Century Africa: Governance and Growth

June 30, 2025-Will the 21st century witness a major push by African countries to catch up with their peers? Or will the continent, overall, continue to lag other regions?
A flagship report published by the World Bank in 2000, Can Africa Claim the 21st Century? provided a blueprint for Africa to claim the new century.

Twenty-five years later, Africa's aggregate progress reveals some advancements. Yet some of the endeavors identified as pivotal to accelerate progress at the century’s outset have fallen short. Much more needs to be done to mitigate conflicts, invest in people, bolster economic competitiveness, and reduce dependence on external financing.

This sequel report, 21st-Century Africa: Governance and Growth, reexamines persistent barriers to development and explores emerging opportunities for the continent. It discusses policies that can help countries sustain inclusive green growth.

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Source: worldbank.org