Trade Liberalisation and Economic Development in Africa

"The participation of African countries in the rules-based multilateral trading system has drawn mixed reactions from policy makers, trade analysts and academics. Whereas many developing countries, particularly those in East Asia and to a lesser extent in Latin America have benefitted from trade liberalisation either through the adoption of autonomous measures, or the adoption of structural adjustment programmes under the auspices of the IMF and the World Bank and as part of their obligations under preferential trade agreements, the results for African countries have not been significant. The book undertakes a comparative study of the African region and other parts of the developing world, particularly in Asia and proffers reasons why trade liberalization has had limited success in the African context. It makes a persuasive case for the liberalization of trade among African countries but calls for complementary measures to be adopted to maximise the gains from trade. The book is a must-read for trade policy makers and analysts who have pondered over the years about how the marginalisation of African countries can be reversed and integrated into the global economy." — Dr Edwini Kessie (PhD), Director of the Agriculture and Commodities Division, World Trade Organization

"Prof. Mugano has written a special book that examines the means to increase countries’ trade performance – with particular focus on the African experience. In the context of trade openness and liberalization, Trade Liberalisation and Economic Development in Africa provides a comprehensive overview of issues that hold back increases in economic performance, trade and global export competitiveness. Prof. Mugano then describes a range of measures – supportive policies, infrastructure investments and microeconomic actions – that are available to countries to improve their trade performance. Prof. Mugano’s arguments are well-supported in the book by numerous African and global examples and cases. Easily read, Trade Liberalisation and Economic Development in Africa provides the reader with a buffet of useful approaches which, taken together, constitute an excellent, forward-looking country agenda." — Martin Webber, partner and executive vice president, J.E. Austin Associates

"The book on Trade Liberalisation and Economic Development in Africa is an essential book which provides a deep analysis of the lacklustre nature of trade in Africa and reasons for the dismal performance. Most importantly, this book, using international experience, especially from Asia, provides robust strategies and policies on how African economies can increase both intra-regional and international trade. It is my conviction that if these measures and policies are effectively implemented, Africa’s trade will catch up with peers in Asia. From academics and practitioners in international trade, this book provides grounded evidence on nexus between trade liberalisation, export growth and economic development." — Professor Albert Makochekanwa, (PhD), Professor of International Trade and Professor in the Economics Department, University of Zimbabwe