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Determinants of the Evolution of Inequality in Africa

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  • Arne Bigsten

Abstract

Most African countries inherited a dual economic structure and high levels of inequality from the colonial times, and inequality has remained high since independence. The pattern of structural change in Africa has implied a shift of labour out of agriculture, but since the movers have mostly been absorbed into low-paying, often informal activities, this transformation has not led to a significantly lower overall inequality. A change of the structure of the economy leading to an expansion of better-paying jobs requires higher rates of investment.

Suggested Citation

  • Arne Bigsten, 2018. "Determinants of the Evolution of Inequality in Africa," Journal of African Economies, Centre for the Study of African Economies, vol. 27(1), pages 127-148.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:jafrec:v:27:y:2018:i:1:p:127-148.
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    2. Ongo Nkoa Bruno Emmanuel & Song Jacques Simon & Balla Mekongo Célestin Ghislain, 2021. "Inequalities in Africa : Does financial integration matter?," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 41(3), pages 1983-1993.
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    4. repec:thr:techub:10013:y:2020:i:1:p:168-183 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Augustin Kwasi Fosu, 2018. "Economic Structure, Growth, and Evolution of Inequality and Poverty in Africa: An Overview," Journal of African Economies, Centre for the Study of African Economies, vol. 27(1), pages 1-9.
    6. Michiel de Haas, 2022. "Reconstructing income inequality in a colonial cash crop economy: five social tables for Uganda, 1925–1965 [Long-term trends in income inequality: winners and losers of economic change in Ghana, 18," European Review of Economic History, European Historical Economics Society, vol. 26(2), pages 255-283.
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    8. I Wayan Ruspendi Junaedi & I Wayan Damayana & Dermawan Waruwu & I Gusti Bagus Rai Utama, 2020. "Indigenous Peoples' Economic Empowerment Model as a Strategy in Accelerating National Economic Development," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 13(1), pages 168-183, November.

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