The 2012 Legatum Prosperity Index™
REGIONAL ANALYSIS:
SUB SAHARAN AFRICA
Among the 30 lowest ranking countries in the Index, 24 are in sub-Saharan Africa. The highest ranking sub-Saharan African country is Botswana (70th), followed by South Africa (74th) and Namibia (83rd). The 2012 Index includes 16 new sub-Saharan African countries, all of whom rank among the bottom 40 of the Index.
I am guessing that being ranked means that there has been some improvement over last year.
I am guessing that being ranked means that there has been some improvement over last year.
Many African countries perform best in the Social Capital sub-index, including Zambia, Sudan, Uganda, Mali and Tanzania, who rank among the top 60 countries, in this sub-index overall.
The role of social capital in a developing country is complex. For example, when social capital is high, and citizens are able to rely heavily on networks and connections, it can be a symptom of failing institutions. In other words, when institutions are weak and cannot deliver public goods, networks and social ties provide an alternative that facilitates collective actions.
In other words high social capital is a symptom of a failed state. That isn't so comforting.
The role of social capital in a developing country is complex. For example, when social capital is high, and citizens are able to rely heavily on networks and connections, it can be a symptom of failing institutions. In other words, when institutions are weak and cannot deliver public goods, networks and social ties provide an alternative that facilitates collective actions.
In other words high social capital is a symptom of a failed state. That isn't so comforting.
Instead, when strong institutions are in place, the role of the state in delivering public goods and services is best accomplished when combined with social trust and community participation.
The link between Governance and Social Capital is seen in the graph (below) where we observe countries such as Zimbabwe, Chad, Sudan, and Liberia ranking low on Governance, but high on Social Capital.
I actually don't see a lot to take comfort from in the following tables.
I actually don't see a lot to take comfort from in the following tables.
Well I guess I have been pointing out the great value of the African Diaspora but it comes at a high price. The truth is that skilled migrants are in demand and those are the very people Africa can't afford to lose.
Well it could be worse. It is interesting to note that the DR Congo isn't featuring as one of the poorest performers but the Republic of Congo Brazaville surprisingly is in the bottom 10.
Ironic that New Zealand should lead the world from the perspective of this blog. Education is bloody diabolical for Africa and as it effects future prosperity it is almost a vicious circle not forgetting that many of Africa's best educated are also joining the diaspora.
Actually I am not at all sure I agree with this at all. If ongoing survival is a was a measure of taking opportunities and entrepreneurship then I suspect Africa would do much better. This is an economic measure that doesn't to my mind fit.
Again no surprises. Amazing what a few centuries of colonialism and theft can do followed by corrupt governments and more theft.
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