Openness, Inequality and Poverty in Africa

Th is paper explores the relationships between openness, poverty and inequality in Africa. Th e analysis begins with a review of social development on the continent since 1980, followed by a discussion of openness and a lengthy exploration of the patterns of trade and fi nance that link Africa to the rest of the world. Th e macroeconomic policy framework that guided African policymaking over the last three decades is the lens through which poverty and inequality are further examined. Th e paper highlights the major factors underpinning openness and social development, and concludes with policy. JEL Classifi cation: D31 (Personal Income, Wealth, and Th eir Distributions), D63 (Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement), F02 (International Economic Order; Economic Integration: General).