Building Knowledge-Based Economies in Africa: A Systematic Review of Policies and Strategies

Abstract

Compared to other regions of the world, Africa is lagging in its drive toward knowledge-based economies. This study systematically reviews the literature in order to highlight the policies and strategies with which African countries can accelerate their current drive towards building knowledge-based economies. These are discussed in terms of three pillars of the World Bank’s knowledge economy framework. They are the indices for: (i) education and skilled population, (ii) information and communication technology and (iii) economic incentives and institutional regime.

Keywords: Knowledge economy; Development; Africa

JEL Classification: O10; O30; O38; O55; O57