Entrepreneurship and capitalism are the tried and true driving forces behind sustainable economic development. African countries cannot hope to build an economy around natural resources or aid from other countries; these can be supplemental factors but never the backbone for economic prosperity.

In this episode, our host, John Akhile, author of Unleashed: A New Paradigm of African Trade with the World, sets the backdrop by comparing the triumphs and pitfalls of economic growth throughout the 20th century between the US, Japan, and USSR/Russia. After, we’ll hear which of these themes African countries have also experienced throughout the 20th century, but more importantly, what practical steps can be taken now and in the future, to correct their path. Listen to find out what levers John thinks African countries can pull to jumpstart economic development.

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