Simplice A. Asongu argues that in Africa pragmatism trumps idealism and that the "Beijing Model" outdoes the "Washington Consensus." He says political stability and economic growth have priority, while democratic values "can wait," because most Africans believe that "food, shealter, health, and good sanitation" are more important than "the right to vote."

The Beijing Model is known for its non-interference in foreign policy, like turning a blind eye to human rights abuses, which is widely appreciated by autocrats and dictators. The model advocates "strong economic and political leadership [which] is essential to growth and stability." The rules-based Washington Consensus - a global economic policy defined by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank - "places a premium on human rights and democracy."

The author points out that the US, as one of Africa's "top donors," had in the past tied aid to human rights. Now African leaders are relieved that Trump focuses more on the "principles China favors – like political stability, trade, and counterterrorism" than liberal democracy. This underscores their "rationale" that the Beijing Model is "better for Africa in the short and medium term. And, while it might not be popular to admit, Trump has a point."

Democracy thrives best in countries with a robust civil society. In many African countries - according to the author - "only a moderately wealthy population, with a healthy middle class, can adequately demand the rights that democracy provides." Paradoxical as it may seem, he says "the fastest way to build a strong middle class in Africa would be to move toward the hierarchy of principles that China’s model promotes."

As important as it is to achieve economic growth, how sustainable is it when rampant corruption prevails? In the oil-rich Nigeria corruption is the country's enemy, fuelling injustice and leading to poverty. Without good governance - "a dynamic framework of rules, structures, and processes that help a government manage its economic, political, and administrative affairs" - the Beijing Model reminds of putting the cart before the horse.

It is difficult to maintain growth while doing little to fight corruption and nepotism, that undermine political stability. The author says "for Africa to reorient its governance approach, and embrace a post-Washington Consensus, its leaders must commit to improving institutional effectiveness and economic management." While this suggestion makes sense, he fails to mention the importance to invest in education and other forms of human resources.

From African leaders' point of view Western donors have "historically placed individual rights over national rights." The author sees it as a mistake because sovereign interests should be prioritised over the rights of individual citizens. He criticises the World Bank for freezing "some $90 million in loans" to Uganda "following the government’s enactment of legislation criminalizing homosexuality." He says "punishing entire countries for laws that affect a minority is counterproductive."

According to the author, the same logic applies to "the second set of reforms" that put economic rights ahead of political rights, saying politicians "who manage an economy well should not be subject to term limits. Neither Singapore nor China is a democracy; but leaders in both countries have used their political power to improve living standards." In his opinion leaders should not "step down in the middle of economic reforms."

As strong leadership is required to rule in Africa, nobody should call Paul Kagame of Rwanda a dictator. The author says Rwanda is "widely considered an African success story." The country is politically "strong, disciplined, and organized, but it is not liberal," and leaders like Paul Kagame "have improved stability by moving away from the Washington Consensus approach to governance."

The World Bank had praised Rwanda's recent "remarkable development successes", which it said have helped reduce poverty and inequality, based on the exports of mainly coffee and tea. Paul Kagame has run Rwanda since 1994. In 2000 parliament elected him president. He won presidential elections in 2003 and in 2010, and again in 2017 after gaining approval by referendum to stand for an unprecedented third term. To his admirers he is a visionary leader, but to his critics he is a despot who tolerates no opposition.

The author says, "if discipline and strong leadership are improving lives and delivering public goods, perhaps liberal democracy should be a long-term priority." Or a distant dream. It explains why so many want to leave the Continent.