Contemporary Perspectives on Economic Growth and Development

Abstract

I initiated this study by drawing attention to the weaknesses inherent in the economistic models and perspectives on issues of economic development and poverty alleviation in SSA. I have, however, noted that a handful of SSA countries have experienced significant economic progress in recent years. In Chapter 3, I reviewed some of the prominent explanations of this growth experience. I have noted that most of the identified growth factors are exogenous — that is, they lie outside the respective African countries. Thus, leading commentators have expressed doubts about the sustainability of these growth experiences. I share their reservations.