africa

Yale Center for the Study of Globalization
much as incomes. Most recently, there is concern that growth is excluding important
disadvantaged groups in society.
Rapid economic growth in Africa (Figure 6.1) has failed to create enough quality
jobs for the estimated 36.3 million unemployed Africans. It has been largely attributable
to strong commodity price trends, especially for metals and minerals (Figure
6.2). Domestic demand factors have been relatively less strong. Poverty reduction
has fallen short of expectations, with the proportion of people living on less than
US$1.25 a day decreasing from 56.5 percent in 1990 only to 47.5 percent in 2008.
Africa’s record on achieving the Millennium Development Goals is mixed, and several
key targets set for 2015 are likely to be missed, including reducing child mortality,
improving maternal health, and achieving full and productive employment.
Figure 6.1: Africa’s GDP Growth, 2000-14
Source: African Development Bank Group.
The weak inclusion character of growth is of serious concern to many African governments.
Non-inclusive growth is likely to result in rising and persistent inequalities,
not only in income and wealth but also in other domains of wellbeing including
health, education, and participation in the political process. Leaving large sections
of the population behind is also likely to have repercussions on the sustainability of
future economic growth, leaving human capital untapped and therefore stifling the
full potential of aggregate demand and economic dynamism.
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