The economic crisis which has hit Africa since 1985 is raising questions about Africa's future position in World Trade and whether it has any chance of developing a competitive industrial structure. Presenting studies of 55 exporting manufacturers in six African countries, this collection examines the question of why some firms in the Sub-Saharan economies have been able to develop export trade, despite generally unfavourable circumstances. In particular the papers seek to understand how these firms have been able to sustain their competitiveness in the face of rapid technological change in the international economy in the context of the threats and promises such change presents to Africa. A case is made for selective complementary investments by governments to build the technological capabilities which are necessary for attaining and maintaining competitiveness. The papers present empirical research and a framework which should be of interest to academics in the development field and to government as well as international policy makers.