Skip Navigation

This Article
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Add to My Personal Archive
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Collier, P
Right arrow Search for Related Content
Social Bookmarking
Add to CiteULike   Add to Connotea   Add to Del.icio.us  
What's this?

J Af Eco 1998; 7:38-76
© 1998 Centre for the Study of African Economies

Article

The role of the state in economic development: cross-regional experiences

P Collier

Centre for the Study of African Economies, University of Oxford, St Cross Building, Manor Road, Oxford OX1 3UL, UK

Abstract

The paper reviews two roles of the state: the provision of security and the regulation of economic activity. I show that in both respects until recently African governments provided a poor environment, and that this discouraged private investment. Recently, in parts of Africa the objective investment environment has improved. However, Africa's history is now a liability due to the perception of high risk on the part of investors. The paper considers various 'agencies of restraint', such as the WTO, whereby African governments can improve risk perceptions through policy commitment.


Add to CiteULike CiteULike   Add to Connotea Connotea   Add to Del.icio.us Del.icio.us    What's this?




Disclaimer:
Please note that abstracts for content published before 1996 were created through digital scanning and may therefore not exactly replicate the text of the original print issues. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, but the Publisher will not be held responsible for any remaining inaccuracies. If you require any further clarification, please contact our Customer Services Department.