Determinants of the Evolution of Inequality in Africa

Arne Bigsten ()

Journal of African Economies, 2018, vol. 27, issue 1, 127-148

Abstract: Most African countries inherited a dual economic structure and high levels of inequality from the colonial times, and inequality has remained high since independence. The pattern of structural change in Africa has implied a shift of labour out of agriculture, but since the movers have mostly been absorbed into low-paying, often informal activities, this transformation has not led to a significantly lower overall inequality. A change of the structure of the economy leading to an expansion of better-paying jobs requires higher rates of investment.

Keywords: Inequality; Africa; Structural change; Policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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