The book provides a detailed analysis of the nature and determinants of finance and trade and their relationship with Africa’s competitiveness.  Investment is examined in its various forms (financial vs. physical), and sources (private, public, domestic and FDI), as well as its relation to the size of domestic markets and export potential. The dimensions of trade related to financial development, trade costs, development of value chains and regional integration are also studied.  The capacity of finance and investment to boost Africa’s competitiveness is assessed to inform continent-wide economic policy.