This book provides a guide to the challenges of special economic zones. Focusing on Africa, while also discussing China, Taiwan, Dominican Republic, Malaysia, and South Korea, the impact on economic development of special economic zones is analysed to highlight the successes and failures of these zones. New emerging issues, such as the sustainable development goals and the fourth industrial revolution, are presented as factors that need to be addressed in order for special economic zones to be productive in Africa. The role of foreign direct investments, job creation, industrialization, and regulation is also discussed. Special Economic Zones: Economic Development in Africa aims to set out an empirical framework on how to create effective special economic zones. It will be relevant to researchers and policymakers interested in African and development economics.

This book provides a thorough and rigorous discussion on the impact of trade liberalisation on economic development with a special focus on the African continent. The author presents the rationale for trade liberalisation, trade liberalisation frameworks, the trade liberalisation economic development nexus, impediments to trade, and contemporary issues of international trade. In this book, notwithstanding the benefits from trade liberalisation, the author shows that African trade as a share of global trade has remained flat at 3% as in 1975, while the continent's exports have remained raw materials and its intra-regional trade at less than 15% of total trade, which is the lowest in the world (UNCTAD, 2020). With respect to key economic development indicators such as economic growth, poverty levels, and employment levels, this book shows that, ironically and in direct contrast with the conventional views that trade liberalisation alleviates poverty, trade liberalisation in Africa has resulted in high levels of unemployment and low economic growth which ultimately lead to increased poverty. In addition, this book provides a detailed analysis of why trade liberalisation has failed to yield meaningful benefits to Africa. The binding constraints and blockages which prevent positive spin-offs on trade liberalisation in Africa are discussed in detail in this book. In the same vein, the author provides practical strategies which must be adopted by African countries in order to gain from trade liberalisation, making this work a must-read for African governments, academia, trade experts, regional trading blocs, the World Trade Organization, and development partners. In view of this, and as part of the disruptive and structural transformation policies, the author discusses case studies and international experience contextualised to Africa as well as strategies for addressing the trade-related infrastructure gap, production capacities, export promotion, and aid for trade.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a driving force of the global economy, contributing up to 50% of GDP in some instances. They also contribute to economic development through various channels such as employment creation, economic growth and poverty reduction, key elements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, in many economies the majority of jobs are provided by SMEs. However, despite their support of the economy, SMEs are prone to several binding constraints, such as access to finance, market entry, as well as exogenous shocks and crises, most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on evidence from international experience, this book provides grounded solutions to challenges affecting SMEs, particularly in Africa, and offers guidance on how to build resilience to counteract future shocks. It also offers a number of policy measures which governments in developing countries may need to consider in order to encourage economic growth and development, such as increasing productive capacities, training, enhancing business ethics and professionalism and improving competitiveness. What makes this book distinctive is that fact that it brings together the literature concerning SMEs in one place, and using case studies, it showcases how policymakers can overcome the challenges affecting SMEs. The book also provides tested and practical remedies for African economies with a view to making SMEs a springboard for economic prosperity. The book will appeal to advanced students, scholars and researchers, as well as policymakers, development agencies and non-governmental organisations.

This book provides a guide to the challenges of special economic zones. Focusing on Africa, while also discussing China, Taiwan, Dominican Republic, Malaysia, and South Korea, the impact on economic development of special economic zones is analysed to highlight the successes and failures of these zones. New emerging issues, such as the sustainable development goals and the fourth industrial revolution, are presented as factors that need to be addressed in order for special economic zones to be productive in Africa. The role of foreign direct investments, job creation, industrialization, and regulation is also discussed. Special Economic Zones: Economic Development in Africa aims to set out an empirical framework on how to create effective special economic zones. It will be relevant to researchers and policymakers interested in African and development economics.