ABSTRACT
The last decade has not been a happy one for the African economic scene. Development efforts have stagnated, political difficulties have been widespread, and population has continued to grow rapidly. Societies grow economically—not because of their political leaders, but because of the efforts of the citizens. The challenge before Africa is how to stimulate and sustain economic growth, often in spite of political leaders. Much of Africa has agreed too easily to Kwame Nkrumah's plea first to gain the "political kingdom." The ideologies of other continents and societies can not be transferred in whole to Africa. Socialism, communism, or capitalism—none of these provides an African framework. Many in Africa need to reconsider their views of the private sector and realize that it is a constructive vehicle for growth. By maintaining producer prices low in order to subsidize urban consumers, African governments have discouraged fanning and food production.
