Introduction: Theorising Economic and Social Inclusion in Post-Independence Africa

This chapter introduces the book Economic and Social Inclusion in Post-Independence Africa: An Inclusive Approach to Economic Development. It provides a general description of the line of argument pursued by the chapters in the book. This chapter historicises and theorises the key concepts of the book. Using a variety of case studies underpinned by multidisciplinary research approaches, the contributors in the book explore a wide range of economic or financial inclusion issues from its benefits and challenges to the steps that need to be taken to improve the level of economic inclusion on the continent. The central argument sustained by the chapters of the book is that economic and social inclusion remains at the forefront of development discussions across the continent. This has been facilitated by recent technological and innovation development, which reaches previously inaccessible regions. This chapter, therefore, flags these key issues as part of the introduction to the book. The chapter also provides a brief synopsis of the chapters in the book.