Images that dominate mass media depictions and popular perceptions of Africa tend to exaggerate, distort and simplify. Not all parts of Africa have shared the dismal fate portrayed in much of the writing and reporting on the region. Contributors to this book put forth a balanced and realistic view of Africa’s prospects in the coming years. The volume is divided into two parts: “Human Development, Social Progress and Environmental Sustainability” and “Agenda for Political and Economic Reform”. It seeks to contribute to efforts to develop an agenda for social and economic revival and progress. Authors take into account the continent’s past experiences, and the rapidly evolving global environment and regional context. They suggest that investments in human development offer the best prospects for rapidly closing the gap between social and economic performance of African countries and other regions of the world. Moreover, they assert that reforms currently being undertaken these domains in many African countries are mutually reinforcing and have multiplier effects that can be expected to enhance political stability, economic growth and social equality.The essays in this volume are dedicated to Philip Ndegwa, Kenyan and international civil servant, Presidential Advisor, Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya and businessman. Philip Ndegwa gained a reputation as the leading trouble-shooter in the country, with Kenya’s top political leadership turned to him frequently for advice. He was a development economist educated at Makerere University and Harvard.