摘要: During much of the 1980s and 90s, a literature emerged suggesting that ‘developmental states’ were impossible in Africa. The arguments given ranged from cultural ones about pervasive nature clientalism to structural on dependence African economies or atypical levels rent seeking economies. This paper argues Africa has had states ‘developmental’ both their aspirations economic performance. It further these experiences need be examined critically for useful lessons, an exercise been hindered by excessive levelling political landscapes.