United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
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Higher education for socio-economic transformation and development
No full textThis paper discusses the critical role of higher education in Africa's socio-economic transformation and long-term development. It highlights the current inadequacies in African higher education systems, such as limited access, insufficient focus on science and technology, and low levels of applied research. The paper emphasizes the need for reorienting higher education to address Africa's development priorities, including food security, industrial growth, and regional integration. It calls for policy reforms, increased investment, and inter-institutional cooperation to enhance the quality and relevance of higher education, ultimately contributing to sustainable development and self-reliance in Africa
Market feasibility study for Ethiopian potash
No full textThe report presents a market feasibility study for Ethiopian potash, prepared for the U.N. Economic Commission for Africa. It examines global potash consumption, production, and trade, with a focus on Ethiopia's potash deposits in the Danakil Depression. The study highlights Ethiopia's potential to become a significant potash producer, particularly for markets in Eastern and Southern Africa, and Asia/Oceania. It projects future demand and supply gaps, emphasizing the need for new sources like Ethiopia to meet growing global demand. The report also assesses the viability of exploiting Ethiopian potash deposits, estimating capital costs, production expenses, and profitability. It concludes that Ethiopia could secure a substantial market share, especially in nearby regions, due to lower freight costs and competitive pricing, provided it ensures stable quality and timely deliveries
National structure and machinery for economic integration in Africa : a preliminary evaluation and prospective study
No full textThis document evaluates the national structures and mechanisms for economic integration in Africa, highlighting the lack of political will and coordination among African states. It identifies deficiencies in intergovernmental organizations, subregional economic communities, and national institutions, and proposes measures to rationalize and strengthen these structures. Key recommendations include establishing specialized ministerial departments for integration, improving intermenstrual coordination, and enhancing communication between governments and community organizations. The study emphasizes the need for political resolve and adequate resources to achieve effective economic integration in Africa
Africa and the Seattle world trade organization (WTO) ministerial conference
No full textThis document discusses the expiration of Lome IV on 29 February 2000 and the ongoing negotiations between African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) nations and the European Union (EU) to define a new relationship. It highlights the challenges posed by increased trade liberalization and globalization, which threaten the preferential access ACP countries have had to European markets under Lome Conventions. The document outlines key issues for negotiation, including Free Trade Areas (FTAs) and the need for WTO waivers to maintain non-reciprocal preferences. It emphasizes the importance of securing a WTO waiver to protect ACP countries' trade interests and suggests that future trade arrangements should consider regional strategies and economic development
Les ressources naturelles énergétiques de forme commerciale en Afrique : hydrocarbures ,combutibules solides, matières radio-actives, hydro-électricité
No full textLe présent document porte sur le développement de l’énergie électrique a connu un ressort particulier en Afrique, durant les dernières années, grâce au changement structuraux de l’économie africaine, à la croissance exceptionnelle de l’industrie pétrolière, à la réalisation de grands ensembles hydro-électriques modernes, ainsi qu’à la souplesse de cette forme d’énergie par rapport aux énergies concurrentes. Les hydrocarbures découverts sous forme d'indices, de venues non commerciales ou de gisements exploitables de pétrole, de gaz naturel ou d'asphalte ont été trouvés en majorité dans les couches sédimentaires du Tertiaire et du Crétacé supérieur et, occasionnellement, dans le Jurassique ou le Paléozoïque
African and Seattle world trade organization (WTO) ministerial conference : accession problems
No full textThis briefing note explores the challenges African countries face in the World Trade Organization (WTO) accession process. It highlights the complexities of current negotiations and advocates for a streamlined approach to facilitate the entry of new members, especially Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Key negotiation issues include industrial and agricultural tariffs, services commitments, and alignment with WTO rules. The note proposes a 'fast track' procedure for LDCs to ensure rapid accession without imposing excessive obligations. It also calls for automatic recognition of developing country status and special treatment provisions for African countries, along with enhanced technical assistance to bolster their negotiating capacity
Fellow research paper
No full textThis study examines the impact of trade facilitation on Africa's trade performance, focusing on agri-food trade, using a structural gravity model. Principal component analysis constructs trade facilitation indicators (2007-2020), while digital trade policies are assessed via the Regional Digital Trade Integration Index (RDTII) and Digital Service Trade Restrictiveness Index (DSTRI). Results from Poisson Pseudo-Maximum Likelihood (PPML) reveal that trade facilitation, particularly physical infrastructure, and ICT, significantly boosts agri-food trade. Conversely, restrictive digital trade policies hinder trade in goods and services. The findings emphasize the need for improved trade facilitation and adoption of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol to enhance intra-African trade
Fellow research paper
No full textThis study investigates the role of human capital in the finance-growth nexus across 44 African countries from 1993 to 2022. Using a novel composite financial development index and the Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR) method, the research finds that human capital, particularly when measured by life expectancy, significantly enhances the growth-promoting effects of financial development. The results indicate that financial development positively impacts economic growth, with a stronger effect observed in countries with higher human capital levels. The study highlights the importance of both education and health in fostering economic growth and suggests that policymakers should focus on improving human capital alongside financial sector development to achieve sustainable growth
Fellow research paper
No full textThis study examines the impact of regional trade integration on poverty reduction in 50 African countries from 1995 to 2019, using a two-step system GMM approach. The findings indicate that increased intra-regional and intra-continental trade can accelerate poverty reduction. However, the effectiveness of trade integration depends on complementary policies, such as improving institutional quality, infrastructure, business regulations, financial development, and trade facilitation. Without these, greater integration may exacerbate poverty. The study underscores the importance of governance reforms, infrastructure development, access to finance, and trade facilitation as key priorities for African governments to maximize the poverty-reducing benefits of intra-African trade
The local non-governmental organizations and community food self-sufficiency : a training manual
No full textThis training manual, published by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, addresses the critical issue of food self-sufficiency in Africa, focusing on the role of local non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It identifies key problems contributing to food shortages, such as population growth, soil fertility decline, and inadequate infrastructure. The manual emphasizes the importance of leveraging local knowledge and traditional practices, while also highlighting the need for research, training, and resource allocation. It discusses the limitations and potential of local NGOs in addressing these challenges and calls for stronger collaboration between NGOs, governments, and international organizations to achieve sustainable food security and poverty alleviation in Africa