Economics training in Africa has long been funded by the World Bank so it keeps to the narrow track of mainstream economics – as do the economic policies in Africa. So as a pluralist economist, Mwangi wa Gĩthĩnji, is a rare commodity. He says the difference in wealth and opportunities across his family left an indelible mark that inspired his pluralist approach.
The Mint talked to him about economic development in Africa. While he gives a magisterial overview of the different phases since decolonisation, it is not generally an upbeat story. Interesting exceptions include Botswana and new potential with the arrival of competing ideas from China.
