Social Cleavages, Regime Type, and Economic Systems in Africa

Abstract

Since achieving independence, economies of African nations have struggled to grow. Nearly all countries in Africa have dealt with economic crisis, corruption, poor governance, political conflicts, and poverty in one instance or another following independence. This study argues that politically  stable countries are likely to experience increased economic growth despite the political regime. This paper holds that regime type, whether  democratic or authoritarian does not necessarily matter in economic performance. What is critical is to provide a stable and predictable  environment for investors and development to take place. The paper highlights the best model, which includes all the factors deemed critical for growth. The paper concludes that for any economic growth to be experienced there is need for political stability, control for corruption, and inclusion of all groups in the political system. The paper also found that some political indicators such as political rights and civil liberties are not significantly important in economic growth. This conclusion builds on the hierarchy of needs that economic growth is more important to people than civil liberties, political rights, or regime type in general. Democracy is necessary, though certainly not sufficient, to achieve economic growth.