The Development Research Department (EDRE) of the African Development Bank (AfDB) is undertaking research on “The African Economy: Development Policy in Practice,” using a team of African researchers, and in collaboration with experts from Korean Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP). The research explores the interplay of institutions and economic development in Africa. In particular, it will examine the role of the state in economic development and the dynamics of fostering institutions for structural transformation. Lessons will be drawn from the development experience of South Korea. It is expected that the collaboration will advance the partnership and knowledge exchange between the AfDB and Korean Ihstitute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) as well as enrich cross fertilization of country experiences between RMCs and Korea.
The focus of the research is on the transformative role of the state in the economic development process. Under what political economy conditions do states become effective within and across different domains of development (including economic growth, equity, structural transformation, employment, poverty reduction and basic service delivery)? It involves a detailed examination of institutions, processes, mechanisms and practices in four African countries (Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia) against the background of Korea’s development experience. Institutional performance issues to be evaluated include regulatory and government effectiveness, rule of law, political stability, transparency, accountability and control of corruption. Questions to be interrogated will include whether and how systems actually work in delivering services or products; and how the interplay of the interests of various constituencies (such as households, communities, businesses and government entities) and across levels of government (such as local, provincial and national) affects the effectiveness of service delivery responsibilities.
CHAPTER 1:
ANALYTICAL REVIEW OF THE EVOLUTION OF POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY SINCE INDEPENDENCE
POLITICAL
ECONOMIC
SOCIAL
CHAPTER 2: THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE COUNTRY
CHAPTER 3: THE DEVELOPMENTAL STATE
CHAPTER 4: INSTITUTIONS AND HOW THEY PROMOTE OR HINDER NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
CHAPTER 5: THE ROLE OF THE STATE IN SOCIAL SERVICE DELIVERY IN THE COUNTRY
CHAPTER 6: LESSONS FROM THE KOREA EXPERIENCE
CHAPTER 7: THE WAY FORWARD
