Lagging economic development in sub-Saharan Africa has been attributed to many causes, but the prevailing work ethic is never mentioned as a possible constraint to development. Obviously this is a politically and culturally sensitive issue, which can easily degenerate into paternalistic and racist reflections. The author, however, manages to discus it in a social-scientific manner. Ultimately, development is about changes in human behaviour. The work ethic is a crucial component of human behaviour. A holistic framework for multi-dimensional development is presented in which behavioural change is central. To make poverty history we have to go beyond treatment of symptoms.