The Case of Industrial Policy in Africa

During the opening day of the Industrial Policy for Africa Conference in Nairobi, organized by the the World Bank Institute for Economic Development, the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), the Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (STEG) Program, and the International Growth Center (IGC), Margaret McMillan, Neary Family Professor of International Relations and a Professor of Economics at Tufts University, deliver a keynote speech setting forth the case for industrial policy in Africa.

Industrial policy is less about picking winners — and more about building systems that can learn, adapt, and scale.

In her address, Prof. McMillan provided presented a framework for industrial policy, emphasizing the importance of foundations, embeddedness, and experimentation. She also highlighted the need for upstream investments in health, education, institutions, and infrastructure.

Read more about the conference and watch additional sessions here.