African Economic Development

Myths, Models and Policies

Beryl Adongo Oranga, Robert Buckley

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Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Routledge
11 December 2025

Regional studies; Development studies; Macroeconomics; Development economics; Political economy

Series: Routledge Studies in Development Economics

Myths have long plagued the understanding of Africa. Today, the myths continue but are very different and certainly are more sophisticated, taking the form of economic models of behavior or statistical analyses, sometimes based on faulty data or interpretations of it. It is not surprising, as a result, that they lead to very different policy conclusions.

This book reviews the performance of low-income African countries and highlights the challenges posed by measurement and methodological problems. It also discusses some of the more significant myths that have arisen, as well as the way that economic models - which themselves are also myths - if carefully structured, can often be useful for understanding, if not carefully describing, the situation of many low-income African countries. Structured in three parts, the book first critiques historical and narrative-driven myths, then investigates model-based myths around convergence and growth; and the final section synthesizes eight dominant myths that continue to shape policy. The book addresses key themes such as poverty traps, economic growth, and urbanization, providing an examination of the complexities surrounding these issues in low-income African countries. It brings together current development issues in one place in a way that builds upon new and improved data sources. Insights from various fields are integrated into the book, providing a holistic understanding of the development landscape in low-income Africa.

This book will appeal to academics, researchers, and advanced students, as well as policymakers and development practitioners, concerned with poverty and development issues, especially in Africa.

By: Beryl Adongo Oranga, Robert Buckley
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
Weight: 453g
ISBN: 9781032979106
ISBN 10: 1032979100
Series: Routledge Studies in Development Economics
Pages: 134
Publication Date: 11 December 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Further / Higher Education
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Beryl Adongo Oranga, PhD, is a Senior Research Economist based in the USA, whose work focuses on Sub-Saharan Africa. Robert Buckley, PhD, was the Studley Fellow in International Affairs at the New School, USA, and Advisor and Principal Economist at the World Bank.