In the wake of economic crisis and civil war, it is tempting to take a pessimistic view of Africa's future. However, recent policy reforms, accompanied by improved growth, suggest a more optimistic prospect for the next decade. This collection of essays outlines and discusses the multiple challenges that Africa faces as it is entering the new millennium. How should it transform its demonstrated resilience into the virtues of sustained growth, poverty reduction and the building of democratic institutions? How will individual countries respond to the exigencies of the world market economy? Dr Kayizzi-Mugerwa has assembled an impressive team of international experts who analyse in depth the current state of the African economy and make constructive suggestions about its future direction. The contributors argue that despite enduring challenges such as food security and employment creation, Africa faces a brighter future in sustainable growth provided that governance and policy- making are effectively employed to maintain peace, achieve greater regional collaboration and encourage private sector competitiveness. Dr Steve Kayizzi-Mugerwa is Associate Professor at Goteborg University, Sweden and has worked for the African Development Bank. His current research focuses on privatization and market development. Wilfred Aboum-Ongaro, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Renato Aguilar, Gothenberg University, Sweden; Arne Bigsten, Gothenberg University, Swe