Abstract

F. I. Kabuya

Most sub-Saharan African leaders seem to misunderstand the development concepts or ideas by embracing the African socialist system as a path of economic development. The leaders focused on strong nationalist sentiments and economy of affection and neglected the rural development, a sine qua none condition of economic growth and development in Africa. This study defines the development concepts and different economic systems, analyzes the relationship between governance, leadership and development, describes the common characteristics of African economies, and puts forward a view on the developmental policies that might address the development challenges of the region. African policy makers should recognize the failed policies of the past and be attentive to agricultural and rural development ideas in their economic development process.