MFA student Bronwen Everill’s book Africonomics: A History of Western Ignorance was shortlisted for the British Academy Book Prize. Now in its 13th year, the international prize, worth £25,000, rewards and celebrates writing grounded in high-quality research – works of non-fiction that will inspire readers to deepen their understanding of people, society and cultures across time and place.
The judges noted: “With the power of incisive analysis, and a beautifully woven, compelling narrative, Bronwen Everill masterfully makes the case that – beginning with the slave trade, continuing through the colonial economy to contemporary development – well-meaning initiatives failed to produce desired outcomes in Africa because of western ignorance. Peeling off layers of ignorance chapter by chapter, the book skilfully and convincingly transforms everything we knew about agency in the global economic history centred on relations between Africa, the Atlantic, and Europe. It is only after understanding Africa’s culture, values, and beliefs from within that any well-meaning external solutions can produce desirable outcomes. Everill overturns conventions to offer fresh insights on African-grounded global history and intercultural dialogue.”
Congratulations, Bronwen!