Foreword

In recent years the continent has made some significant strides in all dimensions of economic and human development, comparable with other regions of the world on similar economic trajectories, having registered some of the fastest growing economies in a constrained global economy. However, although the drivers of growth are diversifying, the continent continues to rely heavily on the production and export of raw commodities, and the share of manufacturing stagnated at around 11 per cent over the last decade. As a result many African economies are vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices, and the continent remains home to the world’s highest proportion of poor people and to a growing youth population.

Related Subject(s): International Trade and Finance