MARKETS, TRADE AND THE ROLE OF INSTITUTIONS IN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT

This paper focuses on the interdependence between international trade and in institutional reform, and suggests that the trade barriers erected by advanced countries to the agricultural exports from poor countries, and sub-Saharan agriculture in particular, are a barrier to economic growth and development. Drawing upon recent literature, the suggestion is that trade barriers inhibit institutional reform which is a major factor affecting economic growth. An empirical analysis of trade reform and economic growth shows that sub-Saharan economies can repeat potential gains from increased trade that are larger when such integration with world markets induces institutional reform