Economic growth and poverty alleviation in Africa - linking hard and soft economics

Purpose - The purpose of this editorial is to provide a quick glance at the dominant issues that have characterized the developing economics debate during the past five decades. It seeks to offer a backdrop for the papers in the present volume of AJEMS. Design/methodology/approach - It is based on a review of a selection of literature that highlights the dominant perspectives in development economics. Findings - It draws a distinction between soft and hard economics, arguing that economic growth must be converted into social change that benefits poor for it to be described as development-oriented. Originality/value - It provides a direction for future research into issues of economic growth and poverty alleviation in Sub-Sahara Africa.