This paper examines the prospects and challenges of achieving the MDGs in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) amidst widespread pessimism that SSA as a whole will not achieve most of the MDGs by the target date of 2015. It reflects on the state of MDGs in Africa. It is noted that record is “mixed” with some good performance on a few goals in a few countries. On average, the prospects are bleak. Lessons from experience indicate there are a number of constraints and the pre-conditions for accelerated progress towards MDGs in the SSA require both internal and external support. In agreement with recent reviews, it is recommended that countries integrate actions to achieve the MDGs in country-led poverty reduction strategies, improve the environment for private-sector, increase effort in domestic resource mobilisation, and scale up investments in human development and economic infrastructure and institutions for democratic governance. Further, countries need to nurture international partnerships with a view to increasing the level and effectiveness of aid and trade-related assistance.