Key ideas from Joe Studwell

• Africa's population density in 1960 was one-fifth of Asia's and one-seventh of East Asia's, creating the continent's biggest development challenge
• African agricultural GDP has grown at 4.5% annually since 2000, faster than anywhere else in the world
• Factory labor costs in Ethiopia and Madagascar are now $60-65 monthly, one-tenth of China's $600
• Africa achieved the fastest rollout of formal education in world history, raising literacy from 16% in 1960 to current levels exceeding South Asia
• Industrial policy works extremely well for development but creates trade surplus problems for the global economy
• South Korea's birth rate crisis may require accepting African immigrants or massive subsidies, both politically difficult
• The African Union hardwires opposition to border changes, fearing ethnic mayhem across the diverse continent