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on Africa |
| By: | Hany Abdel-Latif; Khushboo Khandelwal; Ms. Longmei Zhang |
| Abstract: | This paper explores export and import dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), both regionally and across various country groups. The findings underscore the significant associations that domestic demand and exports have with import changes, albeit the magnitude of these associations varies across countries. Variations in consumption and investment are highly correlated with changes in imports across the region and in nearly all country groups. Changes in exports are also associated with increased import growth, with this link being most notable in resource-intensive countries. Furthermore, an appreciation of the real effective exchange rate is correlated with reduced import growth in East African countries, while resource-intensive countries experience a less pronounced correlation. Exports, on the other hand, show a strong sensitivity to global economic cycles, reflecting the region's reliance on commodities. Finally, the correlation between exchange rates and exports exhibits considerable heterogeneity across countries. |
| Keywords: | Import demand; Export determinants; Sub-Saharan Africa; AfCFTA |
| Date: | 2025–02–21 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2025/045 |
| By: | sanders, zagabe |
| Abstract: | Leadership is the most important asset for developing a country. Preparing leadership is fundamental to the African revolution. Africa has been known as the continent of corruption, abuse, sexual violence, self-enrichment, and conflicts. Africa inherited a strong leadership pattern from colonization, from which several issues were born. From the origin, the vices, and the chronological construction of the practice of leadership, this study explores the difficulty African heads are facing to build resilient and prosperous countries. The study is based on research of published papers, books, and verified experts works from local to international sources. It is proven that most African leaders are not prepared enough to lead nations. Indeed, leadership development must be intentional to cope with modern demanding leadership practice. To have transparent and responsible leaders, Africa must drive education to build wisdom, character, and discernment instead of solely focusing on intellectual prowess. |
| Keywords: | Leadership, conflict, ethics, Ubuntu, politics. |
| JEL: | O2 O4 |
| Date: | 2025–03–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:124244 |
| By: | Yao, Koffi Yves; Kouakou, Auguste Konan |
| Abstract: | This paper analyses the effect of remittances on inclusive human development in sub-Saharan Africa. It considers the conditional effects of ICT, dual nationality, and financial development within this relationship. Estimates were derived using Population-Averaged Generalised Estimating Equations (PA-GEE), Fixed Effects Instrumental Variable (FEIV), and Method of Moments-Quantile Regression (MM-QR) on a panel of 31 countries over the period 2010–2017. The findings indicate that remittances positively contribute to inclusive human development. The interaction between remittances, financial development, and ICT further enhances this impact, as does dual citizenship. These results are robust and suggest that ICT through collaboration between migrants and their country of origin, laws favouring multiple citizenship, an efficient financial system and a business-friendly institutional environment, optimises the effect of remittances on inclusive development in sub-Saharan Africa. |
| Keywords: | Remittances, Inclusive Development, Human Development, Transnationalism, Sub-Saharan Africa |
| JEL: | F24 K37 O15 O33 O55 |
| Date: | 2025–02–19 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:123713 |
| By: | Gardner, Leigh; Husain, Tehreem |
| Abstract: | In 1924, John Maynard Keynes complained about the fact that Southern Rhodesia, which he described as “a place somewhere in the middle of Africa”, was able to raise loans on the London market on the same terms as a large English borough. Existing literature on the “empire effect” has contended that investors did not discriminate between the bond issues of different colonies, either because they adopted similar economic and financial policies or because they were considered to be subsidiary governments to metropolitan states. However, archival records suggest that this was not the case and that African bonds were particularly unpopular. Contemporaries stressed that maintaining low borrowing costs for African colonies required considerable behind the scenes interventions by the Crown Agents using reserve funds they held on behalf of other colonies. This paper presents preliminary data on the financial connections between colonies created by this practice, which it calls the “sinews” of empire, and examines the implications for debates about imperialism and financial globalisation. |
| Keywords: | sovereign debt; empire; Africa; colonialism |
| JEL: | H00 G10 |
| Date: | 2025–03–31 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:127544 |
| By: | Tim Cejka; Marlies Piek; Mazhar Waseem |
| Abstract: | Sin taxes are increasingly being used to discourage the consumption of goods perceived to harm individuals and society. This paper examines the impact of South Africa's Health Promotion Levy (HPL)—the first sugar tax implemented in Africa—on the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in the country. Using comprehensive data from excise returns submitted by manufacturers and importers of SSBs, we find that the HPL was extremely effective in reducing the consumption of sugar through these beverages. |
| Keywords: | Tax, Commodities, Taxation, Health, Promotion |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2025-21 |
| By: | Mr. Gilles Montagnat-Rentier; Brian Brimble; Georges Dudouyt; José M García-Sanjinés |
| Abstract: | The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), initiated by the African Union in 2012, aims to create the world's largest free trade area by reducing tariffs and facilitating trade among 54 African countries. Officially entering into force on May 30, 2019, it has the potential to diversify exports, accelerate growth, and attract foreign investment, potentially boosting regional incomes by 9 percent by 2035 and helping 50 million people exit extreme poverty. The agreement includes provisions to facilitate trade and investment, address regulatory measures, and cover trade in both goods and services. Customs administration is crucial for its success, requiring modernization, government support, and business cooperation. Trading under the AfCFTA began on January 1, 2021, but significant changes are needed for full implementation. This note discusses recommendations for customs administration reforms to optimize AfCFTA implementation, suggesting a regional one-year deadline for most relevant measures. |
| Keywords: | AfCFTA Agreement; Digital Trade; Competition Policy; Protocol on Trade in Goods; Protocol on Trade in Services; Women and Youth in Trade; Intellectual Property Rights |
| Date: | 2025–04–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfhtn:2025/002 |
| By: | Atamanov, AZIZ; Cuevas, Facundo; Lebow, Jeremy |
| Abstract: | This chapter focuses on the structural drivers of inequality in building productive capacity. in Africa Structural inequality arises from the outsized role of inherited circumstances and characteristics, and it shapes who gets an education, owns assets, or has access to basic services. Unequal access to assets, basic infrastructure, and acquisition of human capital affects lifelong income-earning potential and the ability to connect to an economy’s growth engine and escape poverty. Structural inequality resulting from inherited characteristics or circumstances outside a person’s control is socially unfair, leads to suboptimal allocation of resources, and limits economic growth. It also implies lower economic mobility, making poverty and inequality persistent over time. |
| Keywords: | inequality, opportunities, Africa |
| JEL: | I0 I30 |
| Date: | 2024–12–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:124047 |