How Solid Is Economic Growth in the East African Community?

Author/Editor:

Nikoloz Gigineishvili ; Paolo Mauro ; Ke Wang

Publication Date:

August 12, 2014

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

Is rapid economic growth experienced by the East African Community during the past decade built on solid foundations? To gain some clues, we use a variety of newly-collected and existing data sources to analyze the structural transformation of output and exports, as well as indicators of their quality and sophistication. The move from agriculture to a wide range of other sectors—bodes well for continued growth, as do gradual improvements in quality. Yet, no clear winners on the production side seem to have emerged, to embed a durable comparative advantage in international markets. These observations may instill a note of caution against projecting rapid growth into the distant future.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2014/150

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

August 12, 2014

ISBN/ISSN:

9781498374941/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2014150

Pages:

23

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