By now the narrative of Africa rising is well-known. Past decades of economic growth, advances in education and health, declining poverty rates, and strengthened democracies have contributed to the narrative that Africa’s time is now. Then again, as the African proverb goes, thunder is not yet rain. The sustainable, broad-based benefits of development—within sight and approaching quickly—have not yet arrived. In fact, the Africa rising narrative is being challenged. Economic shocks, an increase in absolute poverty numbers, high inequality, and growing youth unemployment threaten the gains of recent history.
Through its academic approach and economic lens, the Brookings Africa Growth Initiative (AGI) explores policies that will facilitate more and better financing for development, structural transformation, trade, good governance, gender equality, jobs, infrastructure, and skills development, among other issues. As explained in the video below, AGI’s research informs policies that let the rain fall—bringing better livelihoods and opportunities to all of Africa.
