EVALUATION OF THE 2007 UNECA ECONOMIC REPORT ON AFRICA
By: Jacques Kibambe Ngoie, University of Pretoria
Topic and overall discussion
The authors embodied the report in a topic that is crucial and motivational for
the ongoing African economic issues and challenges. The generic idea of having the
report used as reference by both: decision makers; and researchers; is achievable
since the text complies with the basic requirements of an academic research
document. Concomitantly, the document is concise enough to vehicle the key
information throughout non academic advisors.
Nevertheless, a shorter version might be advisable in the future. Additionally, the fact
that contributions from several thinkers in the field of African economies could be
garnered has enhanced the critical value of the report.
Remarks on content
A scrutinised analysis of different parts of the report unveils the report’s
credibility to describe African economic challenges. Few remarks concerning the
content are recommendable though. A sound snapshot has been provided regarding
the actual position of Africa toward the rest of the world. But a clearer highlight on the
implications of the continent vis à vis the global rise of R&D (with emphasis on high
technology) investment will enhance the report section on depicting the African
position compared to the world economy. Oil price remains an issue for the region’s
economy. Heretofore, a deeper description of oil price increase through different
channels will bring a closer understanding on its impact on development acceleration
throughout diversification. Looking at the terms of trade, which remain major
determinants of the continent trade position as compared to the rest of the world, a
more albeit description of any effect of diversification on improving the terms of trade
might enrich the report as well.
The HIV pandemic has been raised; however one would like to read a
direction on how budget allocation should be conducted based on the health side of
labour force participation rate including the gender and sectoral contribution to GDP.
No reference whatsoever on employment issues could be located and employment
remains a concern for our region’s economies though.
Edifying forecasting figures are used in the report without any specific
description of how these figures have been obtained. Research institutes all around
the continent have different forecasting models and present different forecasting
figures. Therefore, a confrontation and critical analysis of selected models is most
likely to generate higher confidence in the framework that the authors have decided
to make use of.
General impression
It is my belief that the report meets the requirement of an internationally
acceptable document since it portrays the authors (and all contributors) ability to
describe the African economic situation and advise on new approaches that might be
used to improve the all economic portrait through diversification. Furthermore,
remarks garnered throughout the peer review are meant to open new research
horizon for upcoming editions.