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1 – 10 of 240Jacob W. Musila and Simon P. Sigué
The growing investment gap and the declining foreign aid in recent years have compelled many African countries to turn to foreign direct investment (FDI) as a means to avoid…
Abstract
Purpose
The growing investment gap and the declining foreign aid in recent years have compelled many African countries to turn to foreign direct investment (FDI) as a means to avoid development financing constraints. This article seeks to examine the performance of FDI flow to various regions and countries in Africa and the implication(s) on FDI of the recently launched new partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) programs.
Design/methodology/approach
Explores strategies for accelerating the flow of FDI to Africa, especially the implications of NEPAD programs.
Findings
Africa's FDI inflows are highly uneven both between regions and between countries depending on economic and political environment. In addition, if implemented successfully, NEPAD programs would help spur the flow of FDI to Africa.
Originality/value
Besides the socio‐economic policy recommendations, suggests marketing strategies to help increase the flow of FDI to Africa.
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Surging global natural disasters provide incentive for risk-reducing policies and strategies. In this light, the African Union (AU) engaged a multi-stakeholder policy formulation…
Abstract
Surging global natural disasters provide incentive for risk-reducing policies and strategies. In this light, the African Union (AU) engaged a multi-stakeholder policy formulation process between 2002 and 2006, to develop a continent-wide disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategy. Drawing from secondary data, this chapter assesses the process and applies qualitative analysis instruments to critically assess the AU’s disaster policy. Linkages to the 2005 international Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) are also highlighted. The analysis reveals that Africa’s policy formulation process was belated for over a decade, with respect to international expectations. The formulation process was however largely African owned and led, culminating in a strategy document that reflected African contextual reality at the time, and aligned well with HFA fundamental goals. The applied multi-stakeholder approach enhanced a spirit of participation across levels and was central to the largely successful policy formulation process. However, targeted policy outcomes were not explicit, and poorly formulated indicators marred short- and long-term policy evaluation. Based on these results, we conclude that the African-wide DRR policy formulation processes were belated but participatory, systematic and very successful. Belated policy formulation reflects an initial inertia on the African continent, justified by past negative policy experiences and the desire to succeed. A replication of this policy formulation approach in Africa is recommended, albeit exercising more caution on policy timing, the elaboration of better monitoring and evaluation instruments and criteria. Participation should further embrace modern, risk-free (anti-COVID-19-friendly) information and communication technologies.
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“Globalisation” is a popular term used by governments, businesses, academics and a range of diverse nongovernmental organisations. While national governments for many years…
Abstract
“Globalisation” is a popular term used by governments, businesses, academics and a range of diverse nongovernmental organisations. While national governments for many years dictated the international political and economic scene, international organisations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Trade Organisation (WTO), New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the African Union have become now significant role players. The main issues are how to tackle the challenges of globalisation and international trade and how we can ensure domestic growth and development in South Africa. While the present South African Constitution is, indeed, an admirable document which protects individual human rights, the international consensus is moving in the direction of incorporating ethnic minority rights as part of the main corpus of human rights jurisprudence. The call of the African Renaissance has, therefore, found fertile ground. It has come at a time when the political environment has been conducive. The objective, however, cannot be realised solely on a trade‐investment‐based approach. A balanced approach with an emphasis on human rights is required.
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Dewald van Niekerk and Christo Coetzee
Stories of disasters in Africa conjure up images of the helpless hordes, in peril and in need of outside assistance. Most of the major disasters in Africa since the 1970s have a…
Abstract
Stories of disasters in Africa conjure up images of the helpless hordes, in peril and in need of outside assistance. Most of the major disasters in Africa since the 1970s have a significant food crisis and famine component. These could be linked to failed states and complex emergencies such as inter-, intra-state conflict, and civil unrest. However, the domain of disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Africa has progressed significantly in the last decade. Moreover, we find that African states are celebrating democracy through third and fourth rounds of democratic elections. With the exception of a few, the “old men” of Africa are stepping down after years of Presidency and allowing the democratic wheel to turn. DRR in Africa has not been immune to these changes. Moreover, one finds exceptional examples of political will toward DRR and multi-sectoral approaches toward solving DRR problematic. One such approach that has enjoyed heightened attention is community-based actions and involvement.
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The economic growth performance of Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) over the past few decades has confounded economists. The paper examines the nature and causes of the region's…
Abstract
Purpose
The economic growth performance of Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) over the past few decades has confounded economists. The paper examines the nature and causes of the region's marginalisation.
Design/methodology/approach
Analyses areas of marginalisation including: technologically, economically, socially, politically, and even intellectually. The aim here is to document all these facets in a comparative manner and to examine prospects for their reversal.
Findings
The poverty of SSA has many dimensions and causes, both internal and external. Certainly part of its underdevelopment is attributable to bad luck, initial conditions, and an unfavourable international economic environment. However, the region has to accept much of the responsibility for its plight because its present state is also largely an outcome of poor policy choice and bad governance. Thus, whilst we cannot account for every facet of the question of “why some nations are rich and others poor” we are nonetheless left with some very real certainties.
Practical implications
The most important implication is that the principal therapy for poverty in SSA comes from within by addressing the internal obstacles to growth. However, the international community has an important role to play in addressing the uneven global trading system which is hampering development prospects and this needs to happen in the current trading round.
Originality/value
The paper provides a comprehensive account of the sources of Africa's underdevelopment in a comparative manner. It will be of interest to all social scientists and policymakers interested in development issues.
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African leaders recognise that development of the continent depends on higher education and research. To that effect, the Africa Union (AU) and New Economic Partnership for Africa…
Abstract
African leaders recognise that development of the continent depends on higher education and research. To that effect, the Africa Union (AU) and New Economic Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD) have recommended that 1per cent of GDP by each African state should be spent on Research and Experimental Development (R&D) in order to support peace, stability, better governance and economic growth. However, higher education provision in Africa is mainly for undergraduate students. Postgraduate provision, research and knowledge transfer remain largely under. In the case of Rwanda, Higher Education Policy is very clear that development of the higher education institutions forms the foundation for applying scientific and technology for development. Already in 2010 Rwanda higher education institutions have nearly 1,200 teaching staff with Masters degrees needing PhD training urgently. Training aboard is very costly and just a few can be trained over a long period and contributes to brain drain. Also the enrolment expansion at undergraduate level is imminent requiring massive increases in lecturers with PhD and Masters level qualifications. The National University of Rwanda plans to set‐up large scale PhD programs in 6 disciplines and 3 multidisciplinary themes. The aim is to train in an intensified, diversified and streamlined fashion, future lecturers and researchers who would contribute to filling the skills gaps in Rwanda HE Sector and R&D Institutions. By 2023, it is envisaged that 4,300 Masters, 1,500 PhD and 300 Post Doctoral students will be enrolled at NUR. It is planned that PhD student supervision will be done jointly between NUR staff and the most experienced staff from the external universities. PhD and Post‐doctoral students, local and external supervisors will write joint publications over 60 per cent focusing on solving Rwanda development problems. It is recommended that the government should invest in PhD training and Research from public expenditure and Rwanda Private sector.
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Albert Edgar Manyuchi and John Ouma Mugabe
A growing number of African countries are starting to produce science, technology and innovation (STI) indicators. The purpose of this paper is to provide some lessons learnt in…
Abstract
Purpose
A growing number of African countries are starting to produce science, technology and innovation (STI) indicators. The purpose of this paper is to provide some lessons learnt in the production and use of STI indicators in Malawi and South Africa. It is compares the two countries’ efforts to conduct Research and Development (R&D) surveys and examines whether and how STI indicators are used in policymaking processes.
Design/methodology/approach
The study approach is qualitative. The research methodology encompasses a thorough review of both policy and academic literature as well as some interviews.
Findings
The study demonstrates that South Africa has a relatively developed institutional arrangement for undertaking R&D and innovation surveys and developing related STI indicators. There is evidence that efforts are being made to use STI indicators to inform policymaking in the country. On the other hand, Malawi conducted its first R&D survey under the African Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators Initiative (ASTII) and has not established an institutional mechanism dedicated to producing STI indicators. There is no evidence that indicators are used in, or to inform, policymaking in the country.
Research limitations/implications
Because of significant differences in STI policymaking histories, capacities and cultures of the two countries, it is not really useful to compare the STI production and use. Rather it is important to draw lessons from the efforts of the two countries.
Practical implications
The results suggest that the production of STI indicators should be embedded in policy processes. To be useful and effective, STI indicators production needs to be explicitly linked to policy formulation, evaluation and monitoring activities without necessarily undermining the independence of producing STI indicators.
Social implications
Creating stand-alone programmes or agencies for R&D and innovation surveys without clear articulation with policymaking needs erodes opportunities of having evidence-based STI policy regimes.
Originality/value
Although in 2005 only South Africa and Tunisia had national programmes dedicated to the generation of R&D statistics, by the end of 2010 at least 19 African countries had experimented with conducting R&D surveys under the auspices of the ASTII of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development. These countries accumulated different experiences and consequently build different kinds of institutional capacities. Through the Malawi and South Africa case studies, some important lessons for STI indicators production and use and STI policymaking can be drawn for developing countries in general and African countries in particular.
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The purpose of this paper is to sets out to highlight the role and evolution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Africa's extractive industry. Through the discussion and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to sets out to highlight the role and evolution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Africa's extractive industry. Through the discussion and analysis of the history of CSR in Africa, best and worst practices in the industry, corporate objectives and business ethics, as well as the use of CSR as a tool for corporate citizenship and sustainable development, this paper works to develop a more concise understanding of the role that CSR has come to play in the African extractive industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Through the discussion and analysis of the history of CSR in Africa, best and worst practices in the industry, corporate objectives and business ethics, as well as the use of CSR as a tool for corporate citizenship and sustainable development, this paper works to develop a more concise understanding of the role that CSR has come to play in the African extractive industry. Policy recommendations are also presented to the public and private sectors on how to mend the gaps and complexities of CSR and move forward with CSR practices in a sustainable manner. The paper draws solely on the use of secondary sources to achieve these results.
Findings
Throughout the research and analysis, this paper argues that while CSR has evolved in the last few years and become more relevant in the extractive industry in Africa, there is still much work to be achieved, especially in the areas of capacity building, both physically and structurally. Policy development and implementation as well as greater accountability of, and cooperation between, governments and corporations is necessary to achieve long‐term sustainability.
Originality/value
Policy development and implementation as well as greater accountability of, and cooperation between, governments and corporations is necessary to achieve long‐term sustainability. Such recommendations are of imminent importance for the continent's economic development, given the resource boom currently taking place across Africa.
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