Industrial Policy in the 21st Century: The Challenge for Africa (edX)

Why is there so little industry in Africa? Does it matter? What can we do about it? Hear from economist John Page about the continent’s options for industrialization and the future of economic growth in Africa. In this course from the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), brought to you by the SDG Academy, you will hear from researcher John Page and other leading voices in development economics about the range of activities known “industries without smokestacks,” and learn how industrial policy that promotes the growth of these industries presents a win-win scenario for economic development in Africa.

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According to The World Bank, Africa’s working-age population is expected to increase by nearly 70% by 2035. Without industrialization to create jobs, it will be difficult to achieve sustainable development. While manufacturing led to rapid industrialization in East Asian countries, there is doubt that it can have the same effect in Africa. The question is, if not through manufacturing, how can Africa promote economic growth?

This course is for:

- Policy professionals who want to understand how industrial policy can create win-win strategies for growth and development

- Development practitioners seeking insight into how to address the need for industrialization in Africa

- Advanced undergraduates and graduate students interested in economics, development, industrialization, and other key concepts related to Africa’s development

What you'll learn

- Why manufacturing might not be the best model for African industrialization

- How “industries without smokestacks” provide a promising alternative

- What key drivers of industrialization can support traditional and new industries in Africa

- How industrial policy can support development in Africa

Course Syllabus

Module 1: Industry as a driver of structural change

Chapter 1: Is industry special?

Chapter 2: Can we broaden the options?

Chapter 3: Introducing “industries without smokestacks”

Chapter 4: Win-win policies

Chapter 5: An agenda for aid

Mini-documentary: How to provide jobs & transform livelihoods

Module 2: The recipe for industrial growth

Chapter 1: Drivers of industry: exports and the basics

Chapter 2: Drivers of industry: firm capabilities

Chapter 3: Drivers of industry: agglomerations

Chapter 4: Lessons from East Africa

Chapter 5: Is manufacturing the answer? Expert views

- Manufacturing is still the answer - Justin Lin

- Manufacturing might not be the answer - Joseph Stiglitz

Chapter 6: Industry case studies

- Light manufacturing

- Tourism

- Agribusiness

Module 3: Avoiding the resource curse

Chapter 1: Natural resources: opportunities and risks

Chapter 2: Natural resources: investing to invest

Chapter 3: Lessons from Viet Nam, Tanzania and Senegal

- Lessons from Viet Nam

- Lessons from Tanzania

- Lessons from Senegal

Activity: What the data shows

Module 4: Industrial policies for Africa

Chapter 1: Industrial policy: what, why, how?

Chapter 2: Industrial policy in Africa

Chapter 3: The challenge for Africa

Chapter 4: How to avoid capture of politicians?

Chapter 5: Lessons from Ethiopia

MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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