This 25th anniversary e-book of JPIF discusses the hard-earned and not always steady progress that is being made in many African countries to transform their societies and economies to ones where they can begin to enjoy the benefits of greater freedom and prosperity. The five papers discuss topics ranging from the diversity of property investment opportunities in South Africa and the challenges faced there, to the activities of oil companies in the delta region of Nigeria. The names in the e-book will for the most part be unfamiliar to readers – this is a first step in encouraging these researchers to join the mainstream and bring their views and perspectives to a wider audience. Note - this collection is published in collaboration with the African Real Estate e-book in PM 25:1.