The book covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of the functioning of federal systems on the African continent. The reader gets an opportunity to familiarise him/herself in greater details with the Nigerian federation in its past and present, vis-?-vis ?the national question? and the problem of fiscal federalism. The book also reveals the subject of ?ethnic federalism? in its ?pure form? as exemplified in Ethiopia Furthermore, analyses the use of hybrid, quasi-federative policy instruments in countries like Tanzania, Republic of South Africa, Sudan, Kenya and others. It addresses the issue of the ?opportunistic? use of the federal idea, its abuse in various socio-economic and political circumstances (Nigeria), as well as the occasional and sometimes very short exposition of federalism (Madagascar) and confederalism (Senegambia). In general, the articles in the book present federalism from different angles, revealing the complex and contradictory nature of the concept and the ambiguous experience of its implementation in the African reality.