Industrial development for Africa: Trade, technology and the role of the state

The discourse on the nature of the developmental state and industrial policy options for Africa has become central to debates on how to promote overall growth and prosperity in the continent. This article poses a fundamental question on the nature of the developmental state for Africa: should the developmental state be focused on applying policy learnings from other successful experiences of economic catch-up or should it be focused on identifying and addressing the challenges faced by African countries in particular in the current context? Arguing for the latter and cautioning against seeking to replicating successful experiences without a clear identification of local challenges to development, the article uses data from 1970-2012 to highlight the most pressing developmental concerns for sub-Saharan Africa. The paper then presents some thoughts on the nature, scope and form that the African developmental state can take.