The monograph is devoted to the political and economic development of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) in the post-colonial era. The case study focuses on the causes of underdevelopment and huge income disparities observed in the modern world economy.

Based on his own model calculations, which take into account the key role of technological progress, the author argues that there is some combination of factors that determines the development of any national economy. In order to build a modern market economy, Congo (Kinshasa) should substantially increase, along with education and R&D, the economic role of learning by doing.

All this requires more investment in physical and human capital. The government should also attract more foreign capital and focus more on modernizing agriculture and infrastructure.

To achieve these goals, however, armed conflicts within the country must end. The book is intended for a wide range of readers interested in the theory and practice of Third World development and especially the pressing problems of the African least developed countries.

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