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It Worked in China, so Why not in Africa?: The Political Economy Challenge of Special Economic Zones

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  • Thomas Farole
  • Lotta Moberg

Abstract

African countries have sought to replicate the success of East Asia by implementing special economic zones. Despite decades of international experience, there remains no blueprint for successful special economic zone policies, and the majority of special economic zones fall well below expectations. We argue this is largely due to flaws in the political economy of special economic zone schemes, which prevent replication of 'best practice' in special economic zone development and management.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Farole & Lotta Moberg, 2014. "It Worked in China, so Why not in Africa?: The Political Economy Challenge of Special Economic Zones," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2014-152, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2014-152
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Alexis Habiyaremye, 2020. "Fast tracking the SADC integration agenda to unlock regional collaboration gains along growth corridors in Southern Africa," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2020-95, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    3. Jaroslaw M. Nazarczuk & Marlena Cicha-Nazarczuk, 2021. "What are the Key Location Factors for Firms in Special Economic Zones? Evidence from Poland," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(1), pages 147-160.
    4. Abagna, Matthew Amalitinga, 2023. "Special Economic Zones and Local Economic Activities in Ethiopia," MPRA Paper 117427, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Roseline T. Karambakuwa & Ronney M. Ncwadi & Weliswa Matekenya & Leward Jeke & Syden Mishi, 2020. "Special economic zones and transnational zones as tools for Southern Africa's growth: Lessons from international best practices," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2020-170, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    6. Altenburg, Tilman & Chen, Xiao & Lütkenhorst, Wilfried & Staritz, Cornelia & Whitfield, Lindsay, 2020. "Exporting out of China or out of Africa? Automation versus relocation in the global clothing industry," IDOS Discussion Papers 1/2020, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS).

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