Economic transformation is a continuous, long-term process of shifting labour and other resources from lower- to higher-productivity activities both within and between sectors, to facilitate aggregate labour productivity growth over a sustained period and result in more diversified and complex...

This study explores the potential for South Africa to become an engine for intra- regional trade and industrial development by linking other Southern African countries to its global value chains and, in the process, improving its global trade competitiveness. The study identifies 'lead products'...

The automotive industry in Nigeria is one of the country's most promising sectors due to its growing domestic market size. The large continental market offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is likely to present an opportunity for the industry. In this paper, we explore the...

Trade is an essential driver of economic growth and development. However, the high cost of trade has remained a significant barrier to the success of cross-border trade in many regions across the world. One-stop border posts (OSBPs) have been introduced in various regions, including East Africa,...

Trade is essential for economic growth and development in East Africa. However, trade has been hampered by various challenges, including long wait times for customs clearance and duplication of procedures. To address these challenges, the use of One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) has been implemented...

This is the third report in ODI’s Economic Pulse series. Pulse 3 explores China’s international economic response as it recovers, reforms, and restructures its economy amidst an uncertain global recovery. This is as China moves on from more reactive policy measures to contain the pandemic...

Forests (natural and planted) are a vital resource in East Africa, providing food, fuel and timber for local communities, maintaining the soil and water balance, and absorbing carbon dioxide. Due to increased population pressure and rapidly growing demand for charcoal, East African forests have...

This is the first report in ODI’s Economic Pulse series. It explores China’s international economic response to Covid-19 and analyses its international engagements, especially in developing countries, in light of shifts in the global economic and political landscape. Our review of China’s...