The editors would like to thank the contributors for their remarkable patience and hard work – it has been a real privilege to work with such a committed and talented group of authors. We are also grateful for the consistent support of the team at Routledge, despite the considerable time and effort that it has taken to complete this ambitious project. Our appreciation must also go to the African Studies Centre and the Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford, which have financially supported our endeavours. Finally, we would like to thank our colleagues and families, who have offered much-needed warmth and support throughout the process.