Industrial Policy in the 21st Century: The Challenge for Africa

According to The World Bank, Africa’s working-age population is expected to increase by nearly 70% by 2035. Without industrialization to create jobs, it will be difficult to achieve sustainable development. While manufacturing led to rapid industrialization in East Asian countries, there is doubt that it can have the same effect in Africa. The question is, if not through manufacturing, how can Africa promote economic growth?

In this course from the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), brought to you by the SDG Academy, you will hear from researcher John Page and other leading voices in development economics about the range of activities known “industries without smokestacks,” and learn how industrial policy that promotes the growth of these industries presents a win-win scenario for economic development in Africa.

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Target Audience

Policy professionals who want to understand how industrial policy can create win-win strategies for growth and development

Development practitioners seeking insight into how to address the need for industrialization in Africa

Advanced undergraduates and graduate students interested in economics, development, industrialization, and other key concepts related to Africa’s development

Learning Objectives

Why manufacturing might not be the best model for African industrialization
How “industries without smokestacks” provide a promising alternative
What key drivers of industrialization can support traditional and new industries in Africa
How industrial policy can support development in Africa