Africa Growth 2015

Globalisation is an increasingly important element of international economic relations in regards to its implications for trade, productive investment as well as finance. As Africa entered the 21st century, the continent faced mounting challenges; poverty, sickness, rapid population growth, ecological degradation, rising unemployment, fragile political institutions, militant group activities on the rise as well as weak administration still hampers the continents economic and social transformation. The continent is faced with certain things that impede on its competitiveness in the global economy, but the international media emphasise on its prevailing problems later contributes to the foreign concern; various researchers analysed international news flow and concluded that the third World, and particularly Africa was being portrayed in a bad-news-syndrome.

The featured 2015 Africa Growth Index in this report is looking at the perceptions created about the continent. Rather than measuring actual growth, the index, which will be published annually, compares how media coverage on individual African countries reflects reality. It draws from the reputable Mo Ibrahim Index, which contains a wealth of information on the democratic progress of African countries. This index allows for a detailed assessment of the African context and of particular importance, provides historical data.

Download preview