This book borrows from contemporary theories of policy change and raises some fundamental questions about the political economy of development in Africa. The author advances a multi-stakeholder development policy and programming framework which recognizes Africa's vastly heterogenous economies and societies.

Fred Olayele, PhD

THE BOOK

At the heart of political economy is how politics affects the economy and vice versa. This book offers insights into the political economy of the public policy dynamics of the African economy and society. Borrowing from contemporary theories of policy change, in the Schumpeterian tradition, the book advances policy entrepreneurship for strengthening policy capacity and bridging existing practical knowledge gaps. The author emphasizes the power of the market for policy innovation.

THE AUTHOR

Dr. Fred Olayele’s diverse career spans academia, government, finance, and international development. A distinguished economist and public policy expert, his research interests and practice areas cover trade policy, innovation, FDI, urban policy, political economy, and inclusive development. He has published and shared best practices in these areas at numerous conferences and institutions around the world. He has consulted widely and advised many public and private organizations in Canada, United States, and Africa.

Professor Olayele has held academic positions and taught graduate and undergraduate courses in economics, strategy, and public policy at the University of Regina and Carleton University – both in Canada. He has served as a visiting professor and guest speaker across universities and academic institutions abroad.

PRAISE FOR AFRICAN POLICY INNOVATION

“Fred Olayele understands policy, markets, and society – and he makes a compelling case for leveraging the private sector to spread socially beneficial innovations. This is an indispensable guide for anyone interested in understanding our continent’s journey towards sustainable development, particularly the political economy of policy innovation.”

Her Excellency Ameenah Gurib-Fakim
Distinguished Professor and Former President of the Republic of Mauritius.

“Drawing on multiple case studies, Professor Olayele has written a provocative analysis on how Africa’s public and private sectors can collaborate on a range of issues, including trade, climate, and technology. His monograph is a trumpet call to African policymakers, business leaders, civil society groups, and key stakeholders to build an African economy that transforms adversity into opportunity, and barriers into stepping stones for inclusive and sustainable growth.”

Dr. Witney Schneidman
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, United States Department of State.

Book Launch Events

Waterloo, Canada

Date: September 27, 2022

Venue: Balsillie School of International Affairs, Waterloo, Canada

Host: Balsillie School of International Affairs, Waterloo, Canada

Details available here

Ottawa, Canada

Date: September 29, 2022

Venue: Nicol Building, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada

Host: Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University, Canada

Details available here

Johannesburg, South Africa

Date: October 31, 2022

Venue: University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Host: African Centre for the Study of the United States, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Details coming soon

Las Palmas, Spain

Date: Coming soon

Venue: Casa Africa, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Host: Casa Africa and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Details coming soon

Washington, DC, United States

Date: Coming soon

Venue: The Brookings Institution, Washington, DC, United States

Host: Africa Growth Initiative, The Brookings Institution, Washington, DC, United States

Details coming soon

Lagos, Nigeria

Date: Coming soon

Venue: The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos, Nigeria

Details coming soon

New York, United States

Date: Coming soon

Venue: City University of New York

Details coming soon

Rabat, Morocco

Date: Coming soon

Host: Amadeus Institute

Details coming soon