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GDP Revisions and Updating Statistical Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: Reports from the Statistical Offices in Nigeria, Liberia and Zimbabwe

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Listed:
  • Morten Jerven
  • Yemi Kale
  • Magnus Ebo Duncan
  • Moffat Nyoni

Abstract

The quality of economic statistics in Africa has been likened to a statistical tragedy. Currently many statistical systems in Africa are being updated. This report from the statistical offices in Nigeria, Liberia and Zimbabwe documents that base year, data and methods used to generate GDP estimates currently date from 1990, 1992 and 1994. There is a growing need for macroeconomic statistics, but a rebasing of GDP estimates is costly and time consuming. The work to update economic statistics in Nigeria and Zimbabwe is still ongoing, while efforts to generate an authoritative estimate of the Liberian economy have proved unsuccessful.

Suggested Citation

  • Morten Jerven & Yemi Kale & Magnus Ebo Duncan & Moffat Nyoni, 2015. "GDP Revisions and Updating Statistical Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: Reports from the Statistical Offices in Nigeria, Liberia and Zimbabwe," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 51(2), pages 194-207, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jdevst:v:51:y:2015:i:2:p:194-207
    DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2014.968139
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Morten Jerven, 2010. "Random Growth in Africa? Lessons from an Evaluation of the Growth Evidence on Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia, 1965-1995," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(2), pages 274-294.
    2. Jerven, Morten, 2014. "Economic Growth and Measurement Reconsidered in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia, 1965-1995," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199689910.
    3. Shantayanan Devarajan, 2013. "Africa's Statistical Tragedy," Review of Income and Wealth, International Association for Research in Income and Wealth, vol. 59, pages 9-15, October.
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