This volume investigates the emergence, composition, and social influence of new elite classes in post-colonial tropical Africa. Edited by P.C. Lloyd, the text compiles research from various scholars to examine how traditional power structures shifted following independence. It analyzes the intersection of education, economic status, and political authority in defining the new leadership strata across the continent.

Scholars and researchers frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the socio-political landscape of mid-20th century Africa. It is recognized for its academic rigor and its contribution to the study of post-colonial social stratification.