Scientific Essay from the year 2013 in the subject Economics - Case Scenarios, , language: English, abstract: This work X-rays the multidimensional relationship that occurs between infrastructure and economic development, evidence from Nigeria. The work develops an intuitive theory with a framework which examines this relationship by recognizing various channels through which infrastructure possibly affects development: as a factor of production, as a complementary significant factor of production, a stimulus to factor buildup, a stimulus to aggregate demand and an instrument to industrial policy. A framework is developed for evaluating and analyzing the theory of this relationship, which explores the implications of diverse definitions and measures of infrastructure on economic development. Empirical literature is then evaluated against this framework.

This paper reviews the linkages between infrastructure and economic development based on both formal empirical research and informal case studies. The main thesis is that economic benefits result from investments in infrastructure only to the extent that they generate a sustainable flow of services valued by consumers. Thus, an analysis of infrastructures' contributions to growth must look at the impacts of services as actually perceived, not at indirect indicators that measure only aggregate provision of infrastructure capital. The paper notes that macro and industry level research , although having its limitations, suggest a positive and statistically significant relationship between infrastructure and economic output. However the conclusions derived from this research (most of which derives from developed countries) provide little specific guidance for policy. To gain more practical insights about how infrastructure contributes to economic growth and to improved quality of life, and to understand the welfare costs of inadequate or unreliable infrastructure, it is necessary to look at microeconomic evidence. Particularly interesting illustrations of these relationships are to be found in developing countries where there is wide variance in the availability and quality of infrastructure.

Inclusive Green Growth: The Pathway to Sustainable Development makes the case that greening growth is necessary, efficient, and affordable. Yet spurring growth without ensuring equity will thwart efforts to reduce poverty and improve access to health, education, and infrastructure services.

African countries are pursuing a number of development agendas toward achieving economic growth that is inclusive, pro-poor, and sustainable, particularly the type that can unleash the potential of women and booming youthful populations. However, available evidence shows that many African countries have experienced economic hardships and have performed more poorly than other developing and emerging countries in the global south. The Handbook of Research on Institution Development for Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth in Africa is an essential research publication that provides comprehensive research on the processes of building viable institutions in Africa that will serve as the fulcrum for utilizing and managing resources as well as promoting economic growth that is inclusive and sustainable. Featuring topics such as climate change, financial development, and poverty, this book is ideal for researchers, policymakers, developers, economic professionals, academicians, government officials, business professionals, and students.

This booklet contains the Overview as well as a list of contents from the forthcoming book Africa's Infrastructure: A time for Transformation.

The paper investigates empirically the determinants of economic growth for a large sample of sub-Saharan African countries during 1981-92. The results indicate that (i) an increase in private investment has a relatively large positive impact on per capita growth; (ii) growth is stimulated by public policies that lower the budget deficit in relation to GDP (without reducing government investment), reduce the rate of inflation, maintain external competitiveness, promote structural reforms, encourage human capital development, and slow population growth; and (iii) convergence of per capita income occurs after controlling for human capital development and public policies.

Nigeria requires an annual investment of about US $10 billion over the next ten years in order to reduce its infrastructural deficit. This sum is grossly more than the 20% of $1 billion allocated for infrastructural development by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Act. The current level of infrastructure deficit in Nigeria is a major constraint in the national vision of becoming one of the largest economies by 2020. The foundation upon which sustainable economic progress can be built in Nigeria is, arguably, inextricably linked to the availability and sufficiency of infrastructure. Where infrastructure is lacking or is inadequate, the structural challenges bedeviling the Nigerian economy may not be overcome and achieving sustainable growth and development in order to provide for future Nigerians may remain a mirage. Accordingly, we urge for a sustained focus on infrastructural development evidenced through the allocation of more than 20% funding to the Nigerian Infrastructure Fund.