On this day 26 years ago, the United Nations proclaimed November 20 Africa Industrialization Day in an effort to mobilize a global commitment to industrial development in the region. This week, Brookings experts and colleagues reflect on what's needed to jump-start Africa's industrial sector, including the growth and survival of small businesses.
Eyerusalem Siba answers six questions on the state of Africa's industrial sector for small and medium enterprises, growth prospects, challenges, and what the future holds for the region's development.
While the annual commemoration should be reason to celebrate, the region's industrial decline is becoming a growing matter of concern for African leaders, explains John Page.
John Rand examines the indirect "spillover effects" from foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly for countries at low levels of industrial development.
Global Economy and Development at Brookings launched the Africa Growth Initiative in September 2008 to build leading research capacity on economic and developmental policy solutions in Africa. The Initiative establishes an integrated program that combines incisive, rigorous academic research with long-term partnerships with Africa’s thought leaders and emerging policy experts to address issues of growth and development on the continent.