What hope is there for Africa? Since the heady and hopeful days of decolonisation the story seems to be one of unrelenting disaster -- revolution; brutal military dictatorship; ethnic conflict and even genocide; civil war; state-threatening corruption; economic failure; and, in places, the complete breakdown of state and society. And all has been compounded by natural disasters -- drought, famine and the scourge of AIDS. But there is another, less reported, story of Africa; throwing off the colonial past, embracing modernity, learning fast, gaining in pride and self-confidence and embracing the crucial management function; all this in the context of fruitful collaboration with Europe and American business and, increasingly, with the rising Asian economic superpowers.

Jonathan Lawley paints a vivid and convincing picture of solid political, social and economic progress. Beyond the Malachite Hills is a remarkable testament to his long-lasting and profound involvement with this often misunderstood continent.