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The Quality of the Recent High-Growth Episode in Sub-Saharan Africa

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  • Mr. Marcelo Martinez
  • Mr. Montfort Mlachila

Abstract

The paper explores the quality of the recent high-growth episode in sub-Saharan Africa by examining the following two questions: (i) what has been the nature and pattern of SSA growth over the past 15 years and how does it compare with previous episodes? (ii) has this growth had an impact on socially desirable outcomes, for example, improvements in health, education and poverty indicators? To do this, the paper first examines various aspects of the fundamentals of growth in SSA—levels, volatility, sources, etc.—according to various country analytical groupings. Second, it explores the extent to which the growth has been accompanied by improvements in social indicators. The paper finds that the quality of growth in SSA over the past 15 years has unambiguously improved, although progress in social indicators has been uneven.

Suggested Citation

  • Mr. Marcelo Martinez & Mr. Montfort Mlachila, 2013. "The Quality of the Recent High-Growth Episode in Sub-Saharan Africa," IMF Working Papers 2013/053, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2013/053
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    18. Cha'ngom, Narcisse & Tamokwe Piaptie, Georges Bertrand, 2018. "Les transferts de fonds des migrants contribuent elles à l'inclusivité de la croissance en Afrique Subsaharienne? [Do remittances contribute to inclusive growth in Subsaharan Africa?]," MPRA Paper 91321, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    19. Diao, Xinshen & Bahiigwa, Godfrey & Pradesha, Angga, 2014. "The role of agriculture in the fast-growing Rwandan economy: Assessing growth alternatives:," IFPRI discussion papers 1363, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    20. Yang Qi & Mingyue Gao & Haoyu Wang & Huijie Ding & Jianxu Liu & Songsak Sriboonchitta, 2023. "Does Marketization Promote High-Quality Agricultural Development in China?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-28, June.
    21. Boyang Zhou & Nan Wang & Zhen Zhang & Wenxin Liu & Weinan Lu & Ruifan Xu & Linfei Li, 2022. "Research on the Spatial-Temporal Differentiation and Path Analysis of China’s Provincial Regions’ High-Quality Economic Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-26, May.
    22. Ramesh C Paudel, 2014. "Export performance in developing countries: A comparative perspective," Departmental Working Papers 2014-26, The Australian National University, Arndt-Corden Department of Economics.
    23. World Bank, 2014. "Promoting Agricultural Growth in Rwanda : Recent Performance, Challenges and Opportunities," World Bank Publications - Reports 20008, The World Bank Group.

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