Special Issue

The idea of inclusive economies is gaining traction in economic debates, especially as the realization that the sustained and high economic growth over past decade has failed to deliver jobs for many. Growth has been occurring, but not transformation, and many economies in the region are still dependent on commodities exports and an expansion in services.

This final issue of the West Africa Trends Newsletter reflects on the trends highlighted in our last 24 issues that are relevant to the debate on how to make economies more inclusive. The first article highlights policy challenges that impeded more inclusive economies. The second articles looks at trends towards better collaboration between formal and informal economies, and the third article reflects on gender in the development of more inclusive economies.