South Sudan Independant

[Tellos Athenaios]

I don't think that analysis is all that positive. Percentage growth can be very misleading. For example, a jump from 1 to 10 represents a percentage jump far greater than a jump from 100 to 110, despite the real numbers being equal. If such growth can be sustained over a long period of time, it can become significant.

Sure, but let's be realistic here: the difference between 1 and 10 units of economic output if you share it with 10M people is rather more appealing than the difference between 100 and 110M people given how prices will differ in the 1 unit vs the 100 unit stage. It's the same reason a 0.1% growth in the USA might amount to far more than 10% growth in Kenia, but 10% growth in Kenia buys the Kenians rather more lunch than 0.1% growth does the Americans.

[Tuuvi]

I have some hope for the future of South Sudan, a lot of refugees from the civil war eventually ended up in the US, UK etc. and some of them now have college degrees. The ones that choose to return will be taking their skills and their experiences living with a functioning, stable government with them and I hope that they can make a difference.

[PanzerJaeger]

Sure, but let's be realistic here: the difference between 1 and 10 units of economic output if you share it with 10M people is rather more appealing than the difference between 100 and 110M people given how prices will differ in the 1 unit vs the 100 unit stage. It's the same reason a 0.1% growth in the USA might amount to far more than 10% growth in Kenia, but 10% growth in Kenia buys the Kenians rather more lunch than 0.1% growth does the Americans.

That goes back to the resource curse. When wealth is found and not created, it is far too easy for those in power to abscond with it. As the article mentioned, the commodity industry might boost GDP, but it doesn't produce many jobs.

[HoreTore]

That goes back to the resource curse. When wealth is found and not created, it is far too easy for those in power to abscond with it. As the article mentioned, the commodity industry might boost GDP, but it doesn't produce many jobs.

That has been Congo's curse.

Raw materials are still Africa's main product, but they are diversifying. Economic management(ie. corruption etc) are improving, incomes are rising and China is investing heavily. Is it perfect? No, not at all, noone is claiming that. But the future is looking much, much brighter now than in the 80's and 90's.