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Building Knowledge-Based Economies in Africa: A Systematic Review of Policies and Strategies

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Abstract

Compared to other regions of the world, Africa is lagging in its drive towards knowledge-based economies. This study systematically reviews the literature in order to highlight the policies and strategies with which African countries can accelerate their current drive towards building knowledge-based economies. These are discussed in terms of three pillars of the World Bank’s knowledge economy framework. They are the indices for (i) education and skilled population, (ii) information and communication technology and (iii) economic incentives and institutional regime.

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Notes

  1. It is important to note that the historic route set by Japan has paved the way for the Newly Industrialised Economies of Asia (Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong) including China and Malaysia. These nations have been witnessing a tremendous progress from post-industrialisation ‘product-based economies’ to the era of ‘knowledge-based economies’.

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  1. Department of Economics, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

    Simplice A. Asongu

  2. Department of Economics, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

    Nicholas M. Odhiambo

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Asongu, S.A., Odhiambo, N.M. Building Knowledge-Based Economies in Africa: A Systematic Review of Policies and Strategies. J Knowl Econ 11, 1538–1555 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-019-00617-0

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