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Determinants of the Evolution of Inequality in Africa

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  • Arne Bigsten

Abstract

Most African countries inherited a dual economic structure and high levels of inequality from the colonial times, and inequality has remained high since independence. The pattern of structural change in Africa has implied a shift of labour out of agriculture, but since the movers have mostly been absorbed into low-paying, often informal activities, this transformation has not led to a significantly lower overall inequality. A change of the structure of the economy leading to an expansion of better-paying jobs requires higher rates of investment.

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  • Arne Bigsten, 2018. "Determinants of the Evolution of Inequality in Africa," Journal of African Economies, Centre for the Study of African Economies, vol. 27(1), pages 127-148.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:jafrec:v:27:y:2018:i:1:p:127-148.
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