Discover African Studies at Georgetown: Focus on Economics and Development
The issues of economics, finance, markets and development have become increasingly essential to understanding contemporary Africa. Therefore, the key challenge that many African countries have faced since independence has been the need to maintain and accelerate economic growth in order to lift their people out of poverty and to improve their well being. Until recently, the story has been a sad one: stagnated economic growth and skyrocketing poverty numbers. Clearly, things have to change.
The issues of economics, finance, markets and development have become increasingly essential to understanding contemporary Africa.
Yet in order to evaluate Africa's development prospects, it is essential to understand the external constraints - including the global system of trade and the international aid regime - as well as the internal impediments - such as leadership, governance and corruption, and institutions - which have shaped the African experience. Notwithstanding the continuing challenges, the dawn of the 21st century brings new opportunities for African development.
Courses such as Financing Development in Africa, African Political Economy, and Investing in Africa look to explore the causes for Africa’s continued marginalization in a rapidly globalizing world economy. Professors such as Callisto Madavo, former World Bank Vice President for Africa, add the depth of knowledge and hands on experience students need as they look to develop ways in which to eradicate these economic pitfalls currently plaguing the continent.
