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People in Africa face an unlevel playing field for building their productive capacity

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  • Atamanov, AZIZ
  • Cuevas, Facundo
  • Lebow, Jeremy

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the structural drivers of inequality in building productive capacity. in Africa Structural inequality arises from the outsized role of inherited circumstances and characteristics, and it shapes who gets an education, owns assets, or has access to basic services. Unequal access to assets, basic infrastructure, and acquisition of human capital affects lifelong income-earning potential and the ability to connect to an economy’s growth engine and escape poverty. Structural inequality resulting from inherited characteristics or circumstances outside a person’s control is socially unfair, leads to suboptimal allocation of resources, and limits economic growth. It also implies lower economic mobility, making poverty and inequality persistent over time.

Suggested Citation

  • Atamanov, AZIZ & Cuevas, Facundo & Lebow, Jeremy, 2024. "People in Africa face an unlevel playing field for building their productive capacity," MPRA Paper 124047, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:124047
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    File URL: https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/124047/1/MPRA_paper_124047.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    inequality; opportunities; Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I0 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - General
    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General

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