Why Industrial Revolution By-Passes Africa

Why Industrial Revolution By-Passes Africa is a compelling analysis of the complex dimensions of development in Africa. It identifies and explains the failure of innovations and knowledge in Africa to generate industrial revolution in the continent using two main models: the motivation and growth-ladder models. Focusing on the indifference and secrecy among innovators in the continent, the book shows how the endemic indifference and unparalleled secrecy among African innovators hinders the continent from successfully going up a sustainable development ladder. It argues that with private and un-rewarded knowledge bearers innovating in isolation and dieing in the same fashion, the continent has experienced 'continuous but non-additive innovation system' as against 'continuous and additive innovation system'. Written with the general reader in mind, Why Industrial Revolution By-Passes Africa is an important addition to the current discussions on the problems of innovations, technology and industrialisation in Africa.