Abstract: On the whole, Africa's most recent economic performance has been positive. While this is an encouraging development, it has to be seen in the context of negative historical trends, variations in country performances, and the massive poverty that characterizes the region. Modest, short-lived economic growth is insufficient to make an appreciable dent into deep-seated poverty. Africa's economic prospects depend on several factors, on non of which it is easy to make confident predictions: the prevalence of peace and stability; the evolution of political systems conducive to development; the design and implementation of appropriate economic and social policies; and the emergence of an international order (especially with respect to trade, aid, debt and information technology) that is favourable to the region. While there is room for cautious optimism in most of these areas, exaggerated hopes are certainly unwarranted.