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on Africa |
| By: | Uwe Jirjahn |
| Abstract: | This article reviews quantitative research on unions and collective bargaining in Sub-Saharan Africa. It discusses the consequences of unions for wages, inequality, economic performance and employer-employee relations. The article also highlights the role of unions in society, a role that goes beyond the economic sphere. Moreover, the article discusses evidence on how the specific situation in Sub-Saharan Africa influences unionization and collective bargaining. The informal sector, ethnic divide and globalization entail serious threats to workers’ unionization. The increasing influence of China and neoliberal policy prescriptions by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank are challenging factors, too. |
| Keywords: | Africa, Industrial Relations, Political Spillover, Informal Sector, Ethnic Diversity, Globalization |
| JEL: | J51 J52 F66 O10 O55 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:trr:wpaper:202501 |
| By: | Gabriel Espi-Sanchis (SALDRU, University of Cape Town); Murray Leibbrandt (African Centre of Excellence for Inequality Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa); Vimal Ranchhod (SALDRU, University of Cape Town) |
| Abstract: | This chapter engages with the issue of labour regulation in Sub-Saharan Africa, describing variation in regulatory regimes and discussing how well they align with the realities and needs of different countries’ labour markets. We review evidence on the historical origins of regulation and how it has persisted over time, and map the contemporary prevalence of different forms of regulation. The connection between this regulation and countries’ employment contexts is then discussed, focusing on the issues of compliance and the effects of labour regulation. This discussion is informed by the use of three case studies with contrasting legal histories and employment contexts: Ghana, South Africa and Senegal. Despite the vast majority of employment being informal in most SSA countries, we find that much regulation still revolves around the formally employed. We argue that regulation needs to be more tailored around the particular characteristics of each country’s labour market. |
| Keywords: | Labour regulation, labour policy, Sub-Saharan Africa, informal employment |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ldr:wpaper:308 |
| By: | Easaw, Joshy (Cardiff Business School); Sun, Yang (Cardiff Business School) |
| Abstract: | Recent studies show that significant historical events, particularly the slave trade, had an impact on contemporary African economies. The transmission mechanisms, however, are not well established. The purpose of the present paper is to consider two such transmission mechanisms, notably militarism and economic institutions. The present paper explores the impact of the historical slave trade, or exports, on institutions in two ways. Firstly, its impact on contemporary militarism as a political institution and, secondly, its impact on economic institutions, in particular property rights enforcement. The analysis uniquely shows the causal link between an important aspect of the historical slave trade, notably the import of military arms, and current African institutions. Finally, we also show that contemporary militarism, especially in the affected African economies, has a direct impact on their incomes. |
| Keywords: | African slave exports, militarism, property rights, institutions, average incomes |
| JEL: | N17 N47 O43 O55 |
| Date: | 2024–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdf:wpaper:2024/22 |
| By: | Javier Flórez Mendoza; Robert Stehrer |
| Abstract: | Abstract:Africa’s trade relationship with Europe is shaped by historical ties and by emerging economic opportunities. This policy brief examines Africa’s trade with Europe, showing selected trends, the current status and future potential, with a special focus on the European Union (EU) and Austria. It also considers Africa’s economic interactions with major global players such as China and the United States, providing comparisons with Africa-EU trade flows, total trade volumes and key industries. In addition, it highlights how the EU could strengthen its supply chains and reduce dependency risks by fostering co-operation with Africa in sectors aligned with its green and digital goals. It examines how the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could be a catalyst to reshape trade dynamics by serving as an intercontinental economic bridge. Finally, the brief draws policy conclusions, offering insights into how the EU can enhance its trade strategies with Africa to foster mutual economic growth and resilience. |
| Keywords: | EU, AfCFTA |
| Date: | 2025–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wsr:pbrief:y:2025:m:01:i:65 |
| By: | Lukasz Grzybowski (University of Warsaw, Faculty of Economic Sciences); Valentin Lindlacher (TU Dresden); Onkokame Mothobi (University of Witwatersrand) |
| Abstract: | In this paper, we utilize survey data collected in 2017 from 12, 735 individuals across nine Sub-Saharan African countries. We merge the survey data with geographic information related to the proximity of mobile network towers and banking facilities, based on the geo-locations of the respondents. Our estimation approach comprises a two-stage model. In the first stage, consumers make choices between adopting a feature phone or a smartphone. In the second stage, they make decisions regarding the use of mobile money services. Our findings reveal that network coverage significantly influences the adoption of mobile phones. Moreover, we observe that mobile money services are more favored by younger and relatively wealthier individuals for sending money, while older individuals and those with lower incomes tend to use mobile wallets for receiving money. Consequently, mobile money services facilitate younger migrant workers residing in areas with better infrastructure in providing support to their older relatives in less developed regions. |
| Keywords: | Mobile money, Sub-Saharan Africa, Financial inclusion |
| JEL: | O12 O16 O18 O33 L86 L96 |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:war:wpaper:2024-20 |
| By: | Kalle Hirvonen; Patricia Justino; Rodrigo Oliveira |
| Abstract: | This systematic review examines the effectiveness of social assistance programmes in protecting households in Africa—a region highly vulnerable to climate change, conflict, and other shocks—during periods of crisis. Despite the significant increase in the number of these programmes over the past two decades, the need for emergency aid remains. Our review focuses on quantitative studies using microdata to assess the impact of these programmes on household income, poverty, assets, and food security outcomes during crises. |
| Keywords: | Social protection, Cash transfers, Africa, Systematic review, Resilience |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2024-79 |