Growth and structural change in Africa: development strategies for the learning economy

Abstract

This paper discusses opportunities and policy options for African countries seeking innovation and learning based development strategies. What kind of policies and institutions are necessary in order to transform the current increase in rents from commodities exports into industrial investment and upgrading of agriculture and agro-industrial development? This question is raised in the context of competing theories about economic development. On the basis of empirical patterns and theoretical considerations we discuss policy options in relation to the African reality.