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Infrastructure and Economic Development in Africa: A Review-super- †

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  • Melvin Ayogu

Abstract

We survey the theoretical literature on infrastructure and growth. Then review the empirical evidence globally and within the region. Overall we can conclude that the question is not whether infrastructure matters but precisely how much it matters in different contexts? Ultimately, this is an empirical question that the literature has not yet resolved satisfactorily. Judging by the number of papers that have investigated whether infrastructure matters, we conclude that considerable resources have been expended in the pursuit of this marginally important issue, way beyond what could be the value added from totally resolving the issue. In contrast, the crucial issue--understanding policymaking processes in infrastructure--remains little understood and largely under-researched. Copyright The author 2007. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Centre for the Study of African Economies. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org, Oxford University Press.

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  • Melvin Ayogu, 0. "Infrastructure and Economic Development in Africa: A Review-super- †," Journal of African Economies, Centre for the Study of African Economies, vol. 16(suppl_1), pages -126.
  • Handle: RePEc:oup:jafrec:v:16:y::i:suppl_1:p:-126
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/jae/ejm024
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    1. Tii N. Nchofoung & Simplice A. Asongu & Arsène A. Njamen Kengdo & Elvis D. Achuo, 2022. "Linear and non‐linear effects of infrastructures on inclusive human development in Africa," African Development Review, African Development Bank, vol. 34(1), pages 81-96, March.
    2. Margaret Chitiga & Ramos Mabugu & Hélène Maisonnave, 2016. "Analysing job creation effects of scaling up infrastructure spending in South Africa," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(2), pages 186-202, March.
    3. Fosu, Augustin Kwasi & Getachew, Yoseph Yilma & Ziesemer, Thomas H.W., 2016. "Optimal Public Investment, Growth, And Consumption: Evidence From African Countries," Macroeconomic Dynamics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 20(8), pages 1957-1986, December.
    4. Emmanuel Olusegun STOBER, 2016. "Stomach Infrastructure: Lessons for Democracy and Good Governance," Management Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy, College of Management, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, vol. 4(3), pages 449-460, September.
    5. Chukwuebuka Bernard Azolibe & Jisike Jude Okonkwo & Patrick Kanayo Adigwe, 2020. "Government Infrastructure Expenditure and Investment Drive in an Emerging Market Economy: Evidence from Nigeria," Emerging Economy Studies, International Management Institute, vol. 6(1), pages 61-85, May.
    6. Castells-Quintana, David, 2017. "Malthus living in a slum: Urban concentration, infrastructure and economic growth," Journal of Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 158-173.
    7. Joan Halstein, 2020. "Resource sector concessions and spatial development in Southern Africa," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2020-63, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    8. Afeikhena Jerome, 2011. "Infrastructure, Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction in Africa," Journal of Infrastructure Development, India Development Foundation, vol. 3(2), pages 127-151, December.
    9. Minoru Watanabe & Yusuke Miyake & Masaya Yasuoka, 2016. "Public Investment, Health Infrastructure and Income Growth," Applied Economics and Finance, Redfame publishing, vol. 3(3), pages 93-102, August.
    10. Lux, Alexandra & Janowicz, Cedric, 2009. "Water use options for regional development. Potentials of new water technologies in Central Northern Namibia," MPRA Paper 17479, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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