ABSTRACT
This chapter examines policy analysis that has animated governance approaches and policy choices in Africa since the early postcolonial period. Doing so interrogates the epistemological lenses through which knowledge about policy challenges and solutions was framed and adopted. This is discussed within the overarching ideational foundations that inspired policy choices in specific periods, namely, (a) the early postcolonial era, (b) the adjustment years, and (c) the post-adjustment years. The early postcolonial policy analysis portrayed African countries as lagging, and solutions were pursued with the notion of catching up. The adjustment era policy analysis defined policy challenges in Africa as one of an over-bloated state and promoted private sector policy options. Policy analysis has shifted attention to the micro issue of poverty alleviation and framed solutions in-country ownership and popular participation in policy processes in the post-adjustment years. We conclude by highlighting some of the major issues, actors, interests, and implications of policy analysis politics for governance in Africa.
