No abstract

This paper examines theoretical and methodological issues in the study of African developmental states. We argue that applying this concept beyond East Asia, must take into account changes in the global economic context-in particular systemic tendencies towards deficient consumer demand-to uncover the conditions under which demand for commodity production remains or becomes expansionary. We further argue for a mixed methods case study approach to structural transformation, blending quantitative and qualitative evidence at multiple levels of analysis. The examples of concrete manufacturing and oil and gas in Nigeria and Tanzania illustrate our approach to researching state-led development in Africa.

This paper examines theoretical and methodological issues in the study of African developmental states. We argue that applying this concept beyond East Asia, must take into account changes in the global economic context-in particular systemic tendencies towards deficient consumer demand-to uncover the conditions under which demand for commodity production remains or becomes expansionary. We further argue for a mixed methods case study approach to structural transformation, blending quantitative and qualitative evidence at multiple levels of analysis. The examples of concrete manufacturing and oil and gas in Nigeria and Tanzania illustrate our approach to researching state-led development in Africa.

CAE working papers can be downloaded free of charge from www.ruc.dk/en/centreafrican-economies © The authors and CAE, Roskilde 2019.The CAE working paper series publishes cutting-edge research on African economies. The working papers present on-going research from the projects and programs based at CAE, as well as the current work of scholars studying African economies from a multi-disciplinary perspective. They encourage the use of heterodox schools of economic thought to examine processes of economic development and the economic challenges that African countries face. Most of all, the working paper series aims to stimulate inter-disciplinary work, showing how breaking down the barriers between disciplines can be necessary and even more fruitful for understanding economic transformation in African countries.

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