This study of the decolonizing experiences of Egypt, Nigeria and Kenya elucidates the major factors that led to the transfer of power from British to African hands in these territories. Employing a comparative method in order to explain the different decolonizing narratives in each territory, the book argues that the different state policies toward the private business sector and foreign capital were the result of nationalist policies and attitudes and the influence of Cold War pressures on local events. Using business records as well as official government sources, the work highlights the economic aspects of decolonization and weighs the influence of nationalist movements, changes in metropolitan attitudes toward the empire, and shifts in the balance of power in bringing about the transfer of authority. The author concludes that the business communities did not play decisive roles, adhering instead to their time-honoured role of leaving political issues to colonial officials and their nationalist critics.