Editor's note

For a long time narratives around economic development have been dominated by a damaging obsession with GDP growth. In his new book Lorenzo Fioramonti argues that the time has come for the “growth first” approach to be replaced by a focus on wellbeing.

Rwanda and the DRC have signed a deal to explore for oil at the bottom of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. But there are enormous risks attached to drilling for oil under the lake because of its very particular features. Robert Hecky explains.

Sibonelo Radebe

Editor

Top story

GDP as a measure of growth fails to account for damages caused to the environment by industrial activity. Shutterstock

Growth is dying as the silver bullet for success. Why this may be good thing

Lorenzo Fioramonti, University of Pretoria

Our approach to economic growth has done more harm than good and must be be replaced with more appropriate goals.

Business + Economy

Environment + Energy

Politics + Society

  • Where Africa fits into China's massive Belt and Road Initiative

    Yu-Shan Wu, University of the Witwatersrand; Chris Alden, London School of Economics and Political Science; Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, University of the Witwatersrand

    China has launched a quietly aggressive global trade, development and infrastructure initiative based on the ancient Silk Road model. But is Africa welcome on the journey to renewed prosperity?

Health + Medicine

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