The False Economics of Preconditions Policymaking in the African Context

Abstract

It is a strange moment in history to be an African economist or policymaker. On the one hand, one is comforted by the enthusiastic narrative of success and hope that is sweeping political circles and chancelleries across the world, corporate board meetings, and fancy conference venues like this one. It is almost fashionable to say nice things about Africa these days. On the other hand, one still reads newspaper headlines and travels the continent to see the huge amount of unjustifiable suffering of large cohorts of people—mainly children and women—whose stories of suffering and despair cannot be told in words. Yes, many odd things are indeed happening across the continent beyond the headlines-grapping civil wars in South Sudan and the Central African Republic, the disappointment over the democratization process in Libya, Tunisia and Egypt, or the uncertainties over whether life will ever be better for citizens in countries