Re-Inventing Africa's Development

This open access book analyses the development problems of sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) from the eyes of a Korean diplomat with knowledge of the economic growth Korea has experienced in recent decades. The author argues that Africa's development challenges are not due to a lack of resources but a lack of management, presenting an alternative to the traditional view that Africa's problems are caused by a lack of leadership. In exploring an approach based on mind-set and nation-building, rather than unity – which tends to promote individual or party interests rather than the broader country or national interests – the author suggests new solutions for SSA's economic growth, inspired by Korea's successful economic growth model much of which is focused on industrialisation. 

 
This book will be of interest to researchers, policymakers, NGOs and governmental bodies in economics, development and politics studying Africa's economic development, and Korea's economic growth model.

“The work is geared towards a general readership interested in Korea’s development process and African politics in relation to the obstacles to development.” (Joonhwa Cho, Pacific Affairs, Vol. 93 (1), 2020)

“Written by a Korean diplomat and Africanist, this book offers a unique perspective on the development problems of the sub-Sahara Africa (SSA), and it also suggests effective solutions for SSA to take off economically, basically through the two-step approach of building-block and building-bridge.” (Keun Lee, Professor of Economics at Seoul National University, South Korea) 

“The potency of this book lies in the unique qualification of the author with vast experiences richly encompassing both the Korean and African aspects and policy expertise guided by strong academic credentials. His work embodies keen insights, and is a welcome addition to the African development discourse; I highly recommend it to all those interested in meeting the African development challenges head-on.” (Augustin K. Fosu, Professor of Economics (ISSER) at University of Ghana, Ghana) 

“On the strength of a life-long front-row experience of the continent and a deep command of the literature, facts and debates, Jong-Dae Park offers an intriguing cultural argument about African development. Inspired by the experience of South Korea, it is provocative (despite its gentle tone) and likely to prove controversial. Yet, it is also hopeful and well worth reading, both for African and non-African students, scholar and practitioners of development.” (Pierre Englebert, Professor of Political Science at Pomona College, USA) 

“A perspective from an Asian with profound experience in Africa and who is keenly aware of Korea's achievements is a welcome addition for tackling Africa's development challenges and opportunities. Jong-Dae Park weaves together so immaculately his personal observations, careful reading of available literature, and insights into the Korean experience; the book forces the reader to navigate peculiar idiosyncrasy and generalities in Africa and South Korea’s development so as to draw some crucial lessons.” (Siphamandla Zondi, Professor of Political Science at University of Pretoria, South Africa)

“Jong-Dae Park is uniquely qualified to comment on the contrast between Africa and South Korea due to his background. Park's critique is not an armchair academic exercise; he is passionate about development because, as a Korean, he has witnessed first-hand the transformation of his country, while in Africa he sees the vast potential not yet realized.” (Dr. Ian Clarke, Chairman of Clarke Group, Uganda)

Jong-Dae Park is the South Korean Ambassador in South Africa and a specialist in African Development and Korea’s soft power. Park, a career diplomat, has been heavily engaged in development assistance for the last seven years when he was the Ambassador in Uganda. He also held the position of Director of Policy Planning in the Foreign Ministry, and served in the Presidential Office. He holds a BA from Yonsei University, Korea, an MA from UC Berkeley, USA, and a Ph.D. from Kyungnam University, Korea. Park has an extensive network with government leaders and elites, the academia, the international development community, business circles, the media, and volunteers and NGOs both in Africa and internationally.