https://en.sputniknews.africa/20260608/mask-of-progress-why-gdp-is-insufficient-to-measure-africas-growth-1086490410.html
Mask of Progress: Why GDP is Insufficient to Measure Africa’s Growth
Mask of Progress: Why GDP is Insufficient to Measure Africa’s Growth
Sputnik Africa
African economists have increasingly called for an end to the use of GDP as the primary growth indicator of African countries, as it measures resource... 08.06.2026, Sputnik Africa
2026-06-08T16:40+0200
2026-06-08T16:40+0200
2026-06-08T16:40+0200
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Mask of Progress: Why GDP is Insufficient to Measure Africa’s Growth
Sputnik Africa
African economists have increasingly called for an end to the use of GDP as the primary growth indicator of African countries, as it measures resource extraction by foreign firms where dividends flow out without creating local jobs.
For decades, if the Gross Domestic Product of a country rises, it’s termed as progress. If it falls, it's called a crisis. However, experts have pointed out that if the GDP was truly reflecting structural transformation, formal employment is expected to rise with output. An economist working in this field–Professor Daniel Meyer, the director of School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy, from the University of Johannesburg in South Africa–offers fresh insights and an alternative indicator that could better capture the economic growth and well-being of African countries.This episode also features:Discover more insights from our outstanding guests on the Pan-African Frequency podcast, proudly brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
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sputnik africa, africa, podcasts, gdp, economy, pan-africanism, development, neocolonialism, аудио
sputnik africa, africa, podcasts, gdp, economy, pan-africanism, development, neocolonialism, аудио
Mask of Progress: Why GDP is Insufficient to Measure Africa’s Growth
African economists have increasingly called for an end to the use of GDP as the primary growth indicator of African countries, as it measures resource extraction by foreign firms where dividends flow out without creating local jobs.
For decades, if the Gross Domestic Product of a country rises, it’s termed as progress. If it falls, it's called a crisis. However, experts have pointed out that if the GDP was truly reflecting structural transformation, formal employment is expected to rise with output. An economist working in this field–Professor Daniel Meyer, the director of School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy, from the University of Johannesburg in South Africa–offers fresh insights and an alternative indicator that could better capture the economic growth and well-being of African countries.
“Yes we must move forward from just measuring economies using GDP. We need to also measure a lot of other things [...] Africa has the highest level of unemployment above 30%, the highest in the world, youth unemployment 65%. So there is a massive crisis in terms of jobs. And jobs are the cornerstone of inclusive growth, people to be participating in the economy [...] the most important one [alternative] will be the Inclusive Growth Index, where we look at GDP per capita, we look at the number of jobs created. We look at the level of poverty that is in a country. We look at the level of infrastructure, as well as the health services, the education level. And then we determine a comprehensive outlook [...] if you do these eight variables, you can develop a strategy for a country to say, look, we've got a problem with our potential for inclusive level. Let's improve health, let's improve education, let's improve our infrastructure, then we can be competitive globally,” the professor explained.
This episode also features:
Professor Ukertor Gabriel Moti, Senior Lecturer and expert in Public Sector Management and governance at the University of Abuja, Nigeria
Ahmad Abdulaziz Kadhi, Kenyan lawyer and parliamentary secretary
Discover more insights from our outstanding guests on the Pan-African Frequency podcast, proudly brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
