Industrial Policy in the 21st Century: The Challenge for Africa l in SDGAcademyX: SDG Academy

Why is there so little industry in Africa? Does it matter? What can we do about it? Hear from economist John Page about the continent’s options for industrialization and the future of economic growth in 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.

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