This year marks the 20th year since sub-Saharan Africa started on a path of faster economic growth. During that period, growth has averaged 5.2% per year. Meanwhile, the number of people on the continent reportedly living under US$ 1.25 a day has continued to creep upwards from 358 million in 1996 to 415 million in 2011—the most recent year for which official estimates exist. What can explain these divergent trends? Read more