AbstractIt is argued that the transnational companies have not been the villains that we have been led to believe. The problems are rooted in the political leadership of African countries, which works for the elite rather than the rural poor.It is unrealistic to expect the transnationals to understand the problems that Africa faces. The countries themselves must make clear their needs, and learn to ‘think straight’ by studying their societies and their history. One goal must be to utilize transnationals more effectively.