What is it about?

In this paper, we argue that the answer to the question of whether the impact of corruption on development is homogenous, is no. Our optimism rest on how development may be conceptualised. When equated to a narrow measure in economic-wise which fundamentally ignores critical issues, then there is a possibility the outlook could be positive. But when conceptualised using a broad-based approach such as sustainable development, then the outlook could be negative. We assess a panel of 22 economies in Sub-Sahara Africa with the most recent dataset (1996–2013) from the World Bank and other reputable agencies.

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Why is it important?

Overall, through this comparison, we are able to signal that both incidental and systematic corruption poses a long-term threat to sustainable development.

Perspectives

The development trajectory of SSA ought to be assessed on the basis of sustainability and not just on spontaneity as has been the norm using GDP. This will create better awareness on the true state of investment and disinvestment in the productive base of each economy and at the same time portray the economy in the light of whether the intertemporal welfare of intergenerational citizens are on the rise or plummeting.

Dr Joseph Ato Forson
National Institute of Development Administration

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This page is a summary of: Genuine Wealth Per Capita as a Measure of Sustainability and the Negative Impact of Corruption on Sustainable Growth in Sub-Sahara Africa, South African Journal of Economics, February 2017, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1111/saje.12152.
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