Economic geography and African development

Anthony Venables

Papers in Regional Science, 2010, vol. 89, issue 3, 469-483

Abstract: Abstract Physical and economic geography both contribute to low levels of income in Africa. The small size of African countries and markets impedes growth through a number of mechanisms. The business environment is prone to monopoly and opportunistic behaviour. Cities are relatively small. Public goods (national and regional are undersupplied). The potential benefits of natural resources are not dispersed widely enough. Growth prospects require better use of natural resource revenues and the development of clusters of export oriented manufacturing in coastal economies. Resumen La geografía física y la económica contribuyen a los bajos niveles de ingresos en África. El pequeño tamaño de los países y mercados africanos impide el crecimiento por medio de una serie de mecanismos. El ambiente de negocios tiende al monopolio y comportamientos oportunistas. Las ciudades son relativamente pequeñas. Hay carencias en el abastecimiento de servicios públicos (nacionales y regionales). Los beneficios potenciales de los recursos naturales no se difunden tan ampliamente como debería. Las perspectivas de crecimiento requieren un mejor uso de los ingresos por recursos naturales y el desarrollo de clusters de manufacturas orientadas a la exportación en economías costeras.

Date: 2010
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (22)

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https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1435-5957.2010.00312.x

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