Chinese Infrastructure Projects and Economic Spillover Effects

AIDDATA, a research lab at William and Mary, published in September 2018 a study titled "Connective Financing: Chinese Infrastructure Projects and the Diffusion of Economic Activity in Developing Countries" by a team of experts.

The authors analyze infrastructure projects on the spatial distribution of economic activity within host countries, including Africa. They found that Chinese development projects in general, and Chinese transportation projects in particular, reduce economic inequality within and between sub-national localities. Their results suggest that Chinese investments in connective infrastructure produce positive economic spillovers that lead to a more equal distribution of economic activity in the localities where they are implemented. On the other hand, these projects also bring some downsides.

Seven Trends Shaping the Future of Peace and Security in Africa

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) reprinted on 28 June 2016 an analysis that was originally published by the World Economic Forum titled "Seven Trends Shaping the Future of Peace and Security in Africa" by Anton du Plessis, executive director of ISS, and Anja Kaspersen, head of international security at the World Economic Forum.

The authors argue that the drivers of conflict and violence in Africa include growing youth populations, high unemployment, lack of equal opportunities, urbanization, poverty, inequality, too many weapons, bad governance, and corruption. They identify seven issues that need to be addressed.

African Economies and the Future

This Is Africa, supported by the Rockefeller Foundation, recently published a series of brief commentaries titled "Building Inclusive Economies: Can Africa Bridge the Development Divide?" by a number of experts.  They provide some insightful comments on the future of African economies.