21st-Century Africa : Governance and Growth

Overview & Synopsis

Will the 21st century witness a major push by African countries to catch up with their peers? Or will the continent, overall, continue to lag other regions? A flagship report published by the World Bank in 2000, Can Africa Claim the 21st Century?, provided a blueprint for Africa to claim the new century. Twenty-five years later, Africa’s aggregate progress reveals some advancements. Yet some of the endeavors identified as pivotal to accelerate progress at the century’s outset have fallen short. Much more needs to be done to mitigate conflicts, invest in people, bolster economic competitiveness, and reduce dependence on external financing. What will it take to reshape Africa’s trajectory, not only for the few countries that have made notable advancements but also for current and future generations across the continent? The goal of fostering inclusive green growth remains pertinent today, yet its attainment is increasingly daunting. The growth model - based on labor-intensive, polluting industrialization that once brought wealth elsewhere - faces headwinds as automation expands, trade patterns shift, and climate pressures mount. Amid rapid population growth, achieving social and economic inclusion becomes more demanding. Moreover, sustainability is threatened by pollution, resource overextraction, and the exacerbating impacts of climate change. This sequel report analyzes past achievements, enduring obstacles, and potential policy alternatives. The chapters in this report outline strategies for governments to enhance support for inclusive green growth. They delve into ways the continent can empower its expansive, young labor force with the requisite skills and resources for a modern, productive economy. The chapters also address how countries can bolster resilience against climate change and capitalize on energy transition to foster inclusive productivity growth and welfare enhancements.