Change: A new development model for African countries (Book Review)

The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by countries in Africa and recommends a change in the approach to development. The main proposal of this book as Hugue explains, is that strengthening democracies in Africa requires an improved focus on science through the accessibility of high-quality research that can inform policy decisions and actions.

In Chapter One, Nkoutchou begins by explaining four main barriers to progress which include inadequate investment in research and development, ineffective private property rights, overreliance on foreign aid, widespread corruption and slow technology adoption. He argues that these challenges have made innovation, economic growth, and social progress stagnant across Africa and that solutions to address these challenges will not happen without increased transparency and accountability, government integrity, judicial effectiveness, and engagement by civil society (p.20).

In Chapter Two, the author highlights the importance of evidence-based policymaking by proposing the “3% by 2030” initiative, which aims for all 54 African countries to commit to investing 3% of their GDP in research and innovation by 2030, with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) (p.33)). According to Nkoutchou, this will help close the data gap and encourage innovation.  

In Chapter Three, Nkoutchou proposes a logical approach to personal and career development (e.g. entrepreneurship, job searching, networking, personal finances etc.) by applying scientific evidence. The approach includes identifying the problem, defining the goals, setting short-term objectives with daily activities, and using clear parameters, both quantitative and qualitative, to measure each activity to make sure that the activity is indeed successful and will contribute to the achievement of the specific objective attached to it (p.36).

In Chapter Four, the author proposes a new development model backed by targeted and specific evidence-based policies. Such policies are also effective, affordable, promote competition and are sustainable. The new model entails moving away from foreign aid, investing in research and development, bridging the gap between the needs of the labour market and the supply of education, and improving the quality of our public institutions (p.100).

In Chapter Five, the author emphasizes the need for policy institutions to help bridge the gap between academic research and policymaking. He proposes that these policy institutes should work with government policymakers and the public in general, organising knowledge-sharing events and inviting senior civil servants to participate (p. 109)

In Chapter Six, Nkoutchou argues that think tanks should play an important role in developing coordinated policies with the likes of Western countries, China, and Russia while ensuring freedom and equality within the African context, closing the data gap and analysing alternatives to existing policies. With a strong emphasis on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as the best hope for transforming African societies (p. 130), the author proposes that think tanks should focus on reducing the reliance on foreign aid, addressing climate change, improving tourism and international investments based on evidence-based scientific research.

In Chapter Seven, the author highlights the role the media plays in driving the success of a policy institute or think tank and shaping public opinion in Africa. He proposes that think tanks should develop communications strategies for target audiences who use both traditional media and social media to help disseminate policy prescriptions based on scientific evidence across to the public (p. 143).  

A key strength of the book is the practical approaches proposed by the author to apply evidence-based scientific research at the individual and national level, as well as measures to help remove the barriers to development progress in Africa. However, the author's visionary inspiration presents a need for further exploring how to better implement these wide-range measures in diverse African contexts.

Policy Recommendations for the Republic of Kenya

1. Adopt the 3% by 2023 Initiative by committing to invest 3% of Kenya’s GDP in research and development with a focus on STEM.

2. Introduce an independent well-funded Think Tank/Policy Institute Network to help bridge the gap between academic research and policymaking, develop coordinated policies, analyse existing policies and introduce evidence-based policy alternatives. 

3. Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy leveraging both traditional and digital media to disseminate evidence-based policies.