Industrial Policy in the 21st Century: The Challenge for Africa from edX

According to The World Bank, Africa’s working-age population is expected to increase by nearly 70% by 2035. Without industrialization to create jobs, it will be difficult to achieve sustainable development. While manufacturing led to rapid industrialization in East Asian countries, there is doubt that it can have the same effect in Africa. The question is, if not through manufacturing, how can Africa promote economic growth?

In this course from the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), brought to you by the SDG Academy, you will hear from researcher John Page and other leading voices in development economics about the range of activities known “industries without smokestacks,” and learn how industrial policy that promotes the growth of these industries presents a win-win scenario for economic development in Africa.

This course is for:

Policy professionals who want to understand how industrial policy can create win-win strategies for growth and development
Development practitioners seeking insight into how to address the need for industrialization in Africa
Advanced undergraduates and graduate students interested in economics, development, industrialization, and other key concepts related to Africa’s development

What's inside

Learning objectives

Why manufacturing might not be the best model for african industrialization
How “industries without smokestacks” provide a promising alternative

What key drivers of industrialization can support traditional and new industries in africa
How industrial policy can support development in africa

Why manufacturing might not be the best model for african industrialization
How “industries without smokestacks” provide a promising alternative
What key drivers of industrialization can support traditional and new industries in africa
How industrial policy can support development in africa

Syllabus

Module 1: Industry as a driver of structural change

Module 2: The recipe for industrial growth

Module 3: Avoiding the resource curse

Module 4: Industrial policies for Africa

Chapter 1: Is industry special?Chapter 2: Can we broaden the options?Chapter 3: Introducing “industries without smokestacks”Chapter 4: Win-win policiesChapter 5: An agenda for aidMini-documentary: How to provide jobs & transform livelihoods

Chapter 1: Drivers of industry: exports and the basicsChapter 2: Drivers of industry: firm capabilitiesChapter 3: Drivers of industry: agglomerationsChapter 4: Lessons from East AfricaChapter 5: Is manufacturing the answer? Expert views- Manufacturing is still the answer - Justin Lin- Manufacturing might not be the answer - Joseph StiglitzChapter 6: Industry case studies- Light manufacturing- Tourism- Agribusiness

Chapter 1: Natural resources: opportunities and risksChapter 2: Natural resources: investing to investChapter 3: Lessons from Viet Nam, Tanzania and Senegal- Lessons from Viet Nam- Lessons from Tanzania- Lessons from SenegalActivity: What the data shows

Chapter 1: Industrial policy: what, why, how?Chapter 2: Industrial policy in AfricaChapter 3: The challenge for AfricaChapter 4: How to avoid capture of politicians?Chapter 5: Lessons from Ethiopia

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students

Provides a comprehensive overview of industrial policy in Africa's development

Taught by John Page, a leading voice in development economics

Covers key drivers of industrialization and how they support traditional and new industries in Africa

Offers a balanced perspective on manufacturing's role in African industrialization

Includes real-world case studies of successful industries in Africa

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Industrial Policy in the 21st Century: The Challenge for Africa with these activities:

Review Structural Change

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Reviewing structural change before participating in the course will help you prepare for deep theoretical explorations about manufacturing in the African context.

Browse courses on Development Economics

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Re-read a textbook about structural change
Watch a video tutorial about structural change

Review basic concepts in economics and development

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Solidify your foundational understanding in core economics and development concepts.

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Go through your notes or textbooks from previous courses
Solve practice questions or problems
Attend a refresher workshop or seminar

Gather and review course materials

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Assemble and examine course syllabus, readings, assignments, etc. for better preparation.

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Locate and download all available materials
Review syllabus to outline course structure and objectives
List and prioritize key concepts and topics

Six other activities

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Read "Industrialization in Developing Countries"

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Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of industrialization in developing nations.

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key points
Summarize the main arguments and supporting evidence

Practice Exercises on Industry Growth

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Practicing exercises on industry growth will help solidify your understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing African industrialization.

Browse courses on Industry Growth

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Solve a set of practice problems on industry growth
Discuss your solutions with a classmate or mentor

Discuss and debate course topics with peers

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Engage in meaningful discussions to deepen your understanding and broaden your perspectives.

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Identify a peer group or discussion forum
Prepare questions and talking points
Actively participate in discussions and debates

Practice applying economic models to development scenarios

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Strengthen your analytical skills by applying economic models to real-world development issues.

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Identify a specific development issue
Select and apply appropriate economic models
Analyze the results and draw conclusions

Write a Blog Post on Natural Resources

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Writing a blog post on natural resources will help you synthesize your knowledge of the opportunities and risks associated with natural resources in Africa.

Browse courses on Natural Resources

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Research the topic of natural resources in Africa
Develop an outline for your blog post
Write a draft of your blog post
Edit and revise your blog post
Publish your blog post

Develop a proposal for an industrialization strategy for a specific African country

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Apply your knowledge and analytical skills to a real-world challenge by developing a comprehensive industrialization strategy.

Browse courses on Africa

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Choose a specific African country to focus on
Research the country's economic and development landscape
Identify potential industries for development
Develop a comprehensive strategy outlining policies and interventions

Career center

Learners who complete Industrial Policy in the 21st Century: The Challenge for Africa will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Development Economist

Development Economists work to improve the economic conditions of developing countries. They design and evaluate development programs, advise governments on economic policy, and conduct research on economic development issues. This course is an excellent fit for those aspiring to become development economists. It will provide them with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing African countries in their pursuit of industrialization. The course will equip them with the tools and knowledge they need to develop and implement effective development policies.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts conduct research and analysis to inform policy decisions. They study the effects of public policies, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and develop policy recommendations. This course is a good fit for those interested in becoming policy analysts because it will give them a comprehensive understanding of industrial policy and its potential impact on economic development. The course will equip them with the knowledge and skills to develop and evaluate policies that promote industrial growth and job creation.

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Researcher

Researchers design and conduct studies to investigate various topics. They collect and analyze data, and publish their findings in academic journals and other publications. This course is an excellent fit for those who aspire to become researchers in the field of industrialization. It will provide them with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing African countries in their pursuit of industrialization. The course will equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to design and conduct rigorous research on this topic.

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Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers design and improve production systems in a variety of industries. They use their knowledge of engineering principles to optimize production processes, reduce costs, and improve quality. This course may be useful for those who want to become industrial engineers because it will provide them with a foundation in the principles of industrialization. The course will help them understand the role of industry in economic development and the challenges and opportunities facing African countries in their pursuit of industrialization.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They develop curriculum, deliver lectures, and grade student work. This course may be useful for those who aspire to become professors because it will provide them with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing African countries in their pursuit of industrialization. The course will equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to develop and deliver effective instruction on this topic.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with businesses and organizations to identify and solve business problems. They analyze business processes, develop solutions, and implement change. This course may be useful for those who aspire to become business analysts because it will provide them with a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Africa. The course will equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to develop and implement effective business solutions.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and expertise to businesses and organizations. They help clients solve problems, improve performance, and achieve their goals. This course may be useful for those who aspire to become consultants because it will provide them with a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Africa. The course will equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to develop and implement effective consulting solutions.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants advise businesses and organizations on how to improve their performance. They conduct research, analyze data, and develop recommendations on a variety of business issues, including strategy, marketing, operations, and finance. This course may be useful for those who aspire to become management consultants because it will provide them with a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Africa. The course will equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to develop and implement effective business strategies.

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Economist

Economists are tasked with studying how the economy works. They conduct research, collect and analyze data, and use that information to develop economic models and predict economic trends. This course may be useful for those who aspire to be economists because it will provide them with a foundational understanding of the role of industry in economic development, particularly in the context of Africa. By learning about the challenges and opportunities associated with industrialization, economists can be better equipped to develop policies and strategies to promote economic growth and sustainability.

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Editor

Editors review, edit, and proofread written content. They ensure that content is clear, concise, and error-free. This course may be useful for those who want to become editors because it will provide them with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing African countries in their pursuit of industrialization. The course will equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to edit and proofread content on this topic effectively.

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Writer

Writers create content for a variety of purposes, including journalism, marketing, and creative writing. This course may be useful for those who want to become writers because it will provide them with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing African countries in their pursuit of industrialization. The course will equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to write effectively about this topic.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They use their findings to make recommendations on a variety of business decisions. This course may be useful for those who want to become data analysts because it will provide them with a foundation in the principles of industrialization. The course will help them understand the role of industry in economic development and the challenges and opportunities facing African countries in their pursuit of industrialization.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers provide financial advice to companies and governments. They help companies raise capital, merge with other companies, and acquire other businesses. This course may be useful for those who want to become investment bankers because it will provide them with a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Africa. The course will equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to develop and implement effective financial strategies.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts evaluate the financial performance of companies and make recommendations on investment decisions. They analyze financial statements, conduct industry research, and develop financial models. This course may be useful for those who aspire to become financial analysts because it will provide them with a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Africa. The course will equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to develop and implement effective investment strategies.

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Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts conduct research to understand the needs and wants of consumers. They collect and analyze data on consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive landscapes. This course may be useful for those who want to become market research analysts because it will provide them with a foundation in the principles of industrialization. The course will help them understand the role of industry in economic development and the challenges and opportunities facing African countries in their pursuit of industrialization.

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