Selected Sectoral Policies and Structural Transformation in Africa

Abstract

This chapter compliments the analysis in the previous chapters by examining the role of selected related sectoral policies, namely trade policy, agriculture policy and technology and innovation and how they impact structural transformation in Africa. Section 6.1 discusses the role of trade policy, focusing on the question of how to integrate trade and macroeconomic policies to ensure coherence in Africa’s structural transformation strategies. Following a discussion of the potential offered by trade policy, the section examines the channels of interaction between macroeconomic policy and trade policy and related African experiences. Section 6.2 discusses the role of macroeconomic policy in fostering sustainable agriculture for structural transformation, providing a brief assessment of the state of African agriculture and what is needed to transform this sector. The section concludes with a discussion of the institutional and macroeconomic policy landscape, necessary for promoting sustainable agriculture and structural transformation. Finally, Section 6.3 examines the role of technology and innovation in shaping policies for Africa’s structural transformation.