What explains economic underdevelopment in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Abstract

This thesis examines the causes of slow economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. In particular, it attempts to identify the links between economic growth and the dual-economic system that exists in most African countries. In doing so, the thesis argues that, without inclusive efforts to lift national or regional economies as one package, the problem with slow growth will persist. In the past, much effort has been oriented toward developing African capitalist economies by focusing on the modern sector while the indigenous or traditional economy that has sustained Africans for generations has been ignored. The main finding of the thesis is that the traditional sector appears to be rejecting any attempts to be conquered by a foreign capitalist system; at the same time, however, traditional economies have not had a good track record for attracting economic growth. In order to grow economies in Africa, the gap between the formal and informal economies will have to be reduced.