This article is a highly readable account of the current situation regarding the flight of 'human capital' from Africa. It tracks the phenomenon over the past few decades, and outlines the various 'push and pull' factors at play. The author then describes a number of efforts to reverse the trend, such as the International Organisation for Migration's 'Migration for Development' programme.

"Unless serious steps are taken to develop critical institutions and human capacities," it says, "the recent positive developments in the economy will not be sustainable and will not make a significant dent on poverty." African governments must take more responsibility for the problem, rather than just becoming increasingly frustrated that its investment in human capital goes unrewarded.

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