Thinking about developmental states in Africa

Author: Mkandawire T.

Source: Cambridge Journal of Economics, Volume 25, Number 3, 1 May 2001 , pp. 289-314(26)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $44.11 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

During much of the 1980s and 90s, a literature emerged suggesting that ‘developmental states’ were impossible in Africa. The arguments given ranged from cultural ones about the pervasive nature of clientalism to structural ones on the dependence of African economies or the atypical levels of rent seeking in African economies. This paper argues that Africa has had states that were ‘developmental’ in both their aspirations and economic performance. It further argues that these experiences need to be examined critically for useful lessons, an exercise that has been hindered by an excessive levelling of the African political and economic landscapes.

Keywords: Developmental states; Economic policy; Africa

Document Type: Original article

Affiliations: 1: UNRISD, Palais des Nations, 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland; email mkandawire@unrisd.org

Publication date: 2001-05-01

More about this publication?

The Cambridge Journal of Economics, founded in 1977 in the traditions of Marx, Keynes, Kalecki, Joan Robinson and Kaldor, provides a forum for theoretical, applied, policy and methodological research into social and economic issues.