Political Distortions, State Capture, and Economic Development in Africa

This article studies the role of political distortions in driving economic growth and development Africa. We first discuss how existing theories based on long-run structural factors (e.g., pre-colonial colonial institutions, or ethnic diversity) may not capture new data patterns region, including changes to regimes, patterns, their variation across regions with similar historical experiences. then argue that a framework focused (i.e., incentives impact resource allocation outcomes) have multiple benefits: it encapsulates many observed practice, patronage, variations contract enforcement connections firm outcomes; unifies results Africa elsewhere; leaves wide scope for policy analysis. conclude by overviewing reforms curb such distortions, campaign financing rules, bureaucratic reform, free trade agreements, technology.