The debate over privatization in Africa versus redistribution of economic resources in an equitable manner is summarized in this comprehensive overview of the range, complexity and significance of the legal, economic and practical questions involved. Most countries in Africa welcome privatization, at least to the point of disposal of losing enterprises. The plans for disposing of profitable state-owned enterprises are not well received. By using economic assumptions as theoretical constructs for analyzing the sociopolitical costs and benefits of private enterprise, an understanding of...