This work explores the history of Africa, from the origins of one of the oldest civilisations in the world to the present-day challenges of race relations, politics and economic development. It concludes with a discussion of what has worked for Africa.

Ch. 1. Early African Governments. The Roots of African Government. "Stateless" Societies. Chiefdoms and Kingdoms. The Kingdom of the Nile. The Ancient States of Northeast Africa. Towns, Trade, and Empire in West Africa. The Great Kingdoms of Medieval Africa. The Arabs and Islam. Islam South of the Sahara -- Ch. 2. The European Intrusion. Portuguese Expansion along the West Coast. Portuguese Imperialism in East Africa. Slavery and African Politics. South Africa's Origins. South African Independence. Legitimate Commerce and Informal Empire. The Scramble for Africa -- Ch. 3. The Colonial Interlude. The New Regimes. Subjugation and Pacification. Rule by Concession Companies. Colonial Administration. The Transformation of Africa. The Rise of African Nationalism. The Conditions of Decolonization. The Process of Decolonization -- Ch. 4. North Africa. Egypt. Libya. Tunisia. Algeria. Morocco and the Western Sahara -- Ch. 5. The Sahel. Mauritania. Mali. Burkina Faso. Niger. Chad. Sudan.