Jumia Books Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa

“Dead Aid” is a non-fiction book written by Dambisa Moyo, a Zambian economist and author, published in 2009. The book critiques the effectiveness of foreign aid in reducing poverty in Africa and argues that it has, in fact, hindered economic growth and development.

Key Arguments

• Aid has been an unmitigated disaster for most parts of the developing world, particularly Africa.
• The book examines how the world was gripped by an idea that seemed right but was ultimately wrong – the notion that aid would stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty.
• Moyo contends that aid has created a culture of dependency, undermined local institutions, and distorted economic incentives, ultimately perpetuating poverty.

Key Points

• The book presents a step-by-step dismantling of the assumptions and arguments that have supported the use of aid as a solution to Africa’s poverty.
• Moyo proposes alternative solutions, including debt relief, trade, and private investment, as more effective ways to promote economic development in Africa.