Demographic Change and Inclusive Economic Growth
Prospects for economic growth remain strong in much of sub-Saharan Africa, but economic trajectories of states and regions are diverging.
A ‘new normal’ of low oil prices, and the end of the commodity super cycle have slowed growth in resource exporters.
But significantly, many economies remain strong amid changing global dynamics due to increased diversification; investment in infrastructure, energy, and transportation; fiscal and monetary discipline; rising incomes; and remittances. Economic growth can be politically and socioeconomically transformative.
Africa Programme work examines some of the key challenges facing Africa in terms of job creation and demographic change. In 2017 the Programme published a report on developing businesses of scale and private sector job creation in Africa.
On-going research examines transparency, inclusivity, and accountability of infrastructure investment, including in Côte d’Ivoire, Angola, and Mozambique.
The programme is assessing the role of technology in influencing socio-economic change in Africa, and its potential for accelerating development and improving civic engagement. In 2017, HE Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of the Republic of Mauritius, discussed the role of technology in driving forward development at an Africa Programme event.
A conference in Nairobi, and events in London on financial inclusion and micro-insurance have informed research on expanding access to financial services on the continent.
Featured comment | Dr Champa Patel
The UK Needs to Speak With One Voice to Prevent Mass Atrocities
28 February
The government must use a cross-departmental approach, where differing imperatives are aligned, to ensure effective action in situations like eastern Ghouta.