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Policy Change and Economic Growth

Author

Listed:
  • David Faulkner
  • Christopher Loewald

Abstract

South Africa's growth experience provides an example of how contrasting growth trends long-term decline followed by improved growth pivot around political change, in this case a transition to democracy. In the decade prior to 1994, South Africa experienced the worst period of economic growth since the end of the Second World War, with growth variable and declining. The proximate causes of slowing growth were trade and financial sanctions in opposition to the Apartheid government, political instability and macroeconomic policy decisions that resulted in higher inflation, increased uncertainty, and declining investment. Democracy has proved critical for, among other factors, creating the possibility of a peaceful and more stable future and reversing investor sentiment at a basic level. Political and economic leadership have been essential for improving the country's growth performance because of the effect on policy formulation, institutional development, regulatory design, and economic vision. Prudent fiscal policy and sound macroeconomic management have been critical factors in creating an environment conducive to growth by stabilizing economic conditions, lowering the user cost of capital, and putting downward pressure on the real exchange rate. This case study provides some insight into a more general perspective on political and economic transition and some of the key macro- and microeconomic policy shifts that need to occur to realize a more rapid and sustained growth path.

Suggested Citation

  • David Faulkner & Christopher Loewald, 2008. "Policy Change and Economic Growth," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 28012.
  • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbpubs:28012
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Hylton Hollander, 2024. "Debt-financed fiscal stimulus in South Africa," Studies in Economics and Econometrics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 48(1), pages 87-112, January.
    2. Michele Peruzzi & Alessio Terzi, 2018. "Growth Accelerations Strategies," CID Working Papers 91a, Center for International Development at Harvard University.
    3. Nghona, Xolani, 2021. "From one dominant growth mode to another : Switching between strategic expansion modes," Other publications TiSEM 8331633d-0e6f-4cc8-8b22-a, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    4. Sean J. Gossel & Nicholas Biekpe, 2013. "The Cyclical Relationships Between South Africa's Net Capital Inflows and Fiscal and Monetary Policies," Emerging Markets Finance and Trade, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(2), pages 64-83, March.
    5. Saungweme Talknice & Odhiambo Nicholas M., 2020. "Causality Between Public Debt, Public Debt Service and Economic Growth in an Emerging Economy," Studia Universitatis Babeș-Bolyai Oeconomica, Sciendo, vol. 65(1), pages 1-19, April.
    6. Pooe T. K., 2018. "Has it Reinvented Iron Law? South Africa’s Social Industrialisation, not Iron Industrialisation," The Law and Development Review, De Gruyter, vol. 11(2), pages 467-511, December.
    7. Saungweme, Talknice & Odhiambo, Nicholas M, 2019. "Causality between public debt, public debt service and economic growth: Evidence from South Africa," Working Papers 25745, University of South Africa, Department of Economics.
    8. Wolassa Lawisso Kumo, 2017. "Working Paper 263 - Factor Productivity and Potential Output Growth in South Africa," Working Paper Series 2374, African Development Bank.
    9. Konstantin MAKRELOV & David FAULKNER, 2009. "Productivity-Raising Interventions for the South African Economy: A CGE Analysis," EcoMod2009 21500063, EcoMod.

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