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Infrastructure and Economic Development in Africa: A Review-super- †

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  • Melvin Ayogu

Abstract

We survey the theoretical literature on infrastructure and growth. Then review the empirical evidence globally and within the region. Overall we can conclude that the question is not whether infrastructure matters but precisely how much it matters in different contexts? Ultimately, this is an empirical question that the literature has not yet resolved satisfactorily. Judging by the number of papers that have investigated whether infrastructure matters, we conclude that considerable resources have been expended in the pursuit of this marginally important issue, way beyond what could be the value added from totally resolving the issue. In contrast, the crucial issue--understanding policymaking processes in infrastructure--remains little understood and largely under-researched. Copyright The author 2007. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Centre for the Study of African Economies. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org, Oxford University Press.

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  • Melvin Ayogu, 0. "Infrastructure and Economic Development in Africa: A Review-super- †," Journal of African Economies, Centre for the Study of African Economies, vol. 16(suppl_1), pages -126.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:jafrec:v:16:y::i:suppl_1:p:-126
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    5. Chukwuebuka Bernard Azolibe & Jisike Jude Okonkwo & Patrick Kanayo Adigwe, 2020. "Government Infrastructure Expenditure and Investment Drive in an Emerging Market Economy: Evidence from Nigeria," Emerging Economy Studies, International Management Institute, vol. 6(1), pages 61-85, May.
    6. Castells-Quintana, David, 2017. "Malthus living in a slum: Urban concentration, infrastructure and economic growth," Journal of Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 158-173.
    7. Joan Halstein, 2020. "Resource sector concessions and spatial development in Southern Africa," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2020-63, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    8. Augustin Kwasi Fosu & Yoseph Getachew & Thomas H.W. Ziesemer, 2014. "Optimal Public Investment, Growth, and Consumption: Fresh Evidence from African Countries," Working Papers 201464, University of Pretoria, Department of Economics.
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