Systemic Problems and Structural Challenges

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the main systemic problems and structural challenges present in Sub-Saharan Africa and the impact they have on the welfare and human development possibilities of the African populations. By examining the main strengths and shortcomings of contemporary development economics approaches, it also aims to highlight the prospects for future and more successful reforms. As shown, the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are affected by several different systemic problems and structural challenges that hinder a faster economic convergence to more developed nations and which made these developing countries more vulnerable to foreign dependence. Beside human development shortcomings (the subject of Chapter 5), the systemic problems and structural challenges present in Sub-Saharan Africa can be summarized into four main groups:

• the presence of poor infrastructures;

• differential growth opportunities;

• the absence of correct exploitation and redistribution of natural resources;

• the persistence of bad governance and, in particular, of political clientelism and corruption.