My current thought it actually that we may have focused too much on education in poor countries.

I like reading articles on development in Africa. I remember some remarks I have seen from Africans themselves and in various videos. China has often brought real change because they have built infrastructure, mines, ports, hospitals etc.

This gives jobs and opportunities. Ways of transporting goods and services. Larger markets etc.

Problem with education apparently is that often poor countries educate people who simply leave for the West once they got skills because there are no opportunities at home.

Of course it is a two-edged sword as China is also often exploitative. But I remember reading an account from an African who admitted the Chinese where often doing bad things but that he would rather have them than not, as it had given him a lot more opportunities than he would have had otherwise. He had a farm that he was able to expand and make more money from because Chinese roads had connected him to customers, and a Chinese hospital gave him a way to have his kids attended to when sick.

On re-reading your post Richard, I see you did mention roads and railroads.