The African Development Strategy

How Does it Need to Evolve?

Authors

  • Oghenefejiro Mejire Université d'Ottawa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18192/politika.8319

Keywords:

International development, African Development, Autonomy, Local Agency

Abstract

Economic and social development in African countries has not been progressing at the same rate as observed in countries in other world regions. This is despite the fact that African countries have implemented the trade liberalization policies and reduced state intervention models that have helped other countries, particularly in Europe, develop. This paper suggests parties interested in contributing to the development of African countries should focus less on offering economic policy solutions and more on strategies which enable African countries to gain both the agency and autonomy they need to build strong institutions (educational and infrastructural amongst others). This is essential because current African development strategies treat Africa as a monolith. African development affects different African countries with different local contexts. In recognition of this, African development policies should focus on building local agency, autonomy, and institutions. African countries need to develop strong institutions grounded in local contexts to successfully implement development policies to help their countries grow fiscally and societally.

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Published

2025-05-01