2016-05-11-世界经济论坛-An_Action_Agenda_for_Africa_s_Competitiveness_8页_6mb

Africa has seen rapid economic growth over the past 15 years, ranking second only to emerging Asia, but this has not translated into correspondingly high competitiveness or productivity. Low competitiveness leaves the continent vulnerable to global economic shocks. While some African economies show promise in business environment reforms and market efficiencies, many still face challenges such as poor infrastructure, insufficient human capital (especially in health and primary education), and limited technological readiness. Regional disparities are significant, with North Africa showing steeper declines in competitiveness, while Southern Africa leads continent-wide rankings among certain regions.

Key regional performances include: North Africa exhibits the worst competitiveness trends; East Africa has growth potential but faces issues with funding and integration; West Africa lags in infrastructure, education, and innovation; Southern Africa shows relative strength but needs diversification. The continent performs poorly in areas like financial markets, innovation, and labor efficiency compared to peers like ASEAN-5 countries.

To address these issues, an Action Agenda was developed through regional workshops, recommending: strengthening institutions and governance to reduce corruption and improve transparency; developing regional infrastructure strategies to enhance trade and connectivity; improving labor market efficiency and skills training to match workforce demands; increasing access to financing for businesses and SMEs; promoting regional and global trade by facilitating value chains and reducing barriers; boosting agricultural productivity through better support, mechanization, and financing; and championing SME development.

These recommendations highlight the need for sustained public-private collaboration and regional integration to foster economic diversification and sustainable growth, backed by commitments from workshops across Africa. The goal is to transform economies, raise competitiveness, and ensure long-term prosperity by implementing these measures.