The political economy of structural transformation in African cities: insights from the deals and development framework

Provides a political economy analysis of the lack of structural transformation in African cities.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
15 April 2025
Country:
Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe
Document Type:
Working Paper
Theme:
Economic Growth
First published:
22 January 2024
Authors:
Sen, K.

Abstract

This paper provides a political economy analysis of the lack of structural transformation in African cities, drawing on the deals and development framework. The author’s analysis points to the need to pay closer attention to political economy factors that constrain structural transformation in African cities, in addition to conventional explanations that highlight the role of economic factors such as the lack of agglomeration economies and poor infrastructure in urban Africa.

This paper is part of the African Cities Research Consortium programme.

Citation

Sen K. ‘The political economy of structural transformation in African cities: insights from the deals and development framework’ ACRC Working Paper 2024-25, African Cities Research Consortium, The University of Manchester 2024

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Published 15 April 2025
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