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It Worked in China, so Why not in Africa?: The Political Economy Challenge of Special Economic Zones

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  • Thomas Farole
  • Lotta Moberg

Abstract

African countries have sought to replicate the success of East Asia by implementing special economic zones. Despite decades of international experience, there remains no blueprint for successful special economic zone policies, and the majority of special economic zones fall well below expectations. We argue this is largely due to flaws in the political economy of special economic zone schemes, which prevent replication of 'best practice' in special economic zone development and management.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Farole & Lotta Moberg, 2014. "It Worked in China, so Why not in Africa?: The Political Economy Challenge of Special Economic Zones," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2014-152, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2014-152
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    File URL: https://www.wider.unu.edu/sites/default/files/wp2014-152.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Roseline T. Karambakuwa & Ronney M. Ncwadi & Weliswa Matekenya & Leward Jeke & Syden Mishi, 2020. "Special economic zones and transnational zones as tools for Southern Africa's growth: Lessons from international best practices," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2020-170, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).

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