Background

Inequality remains a persistent challenge across Africa, limiting economic growth, deepening poverty, and exacerbating social tensions. A new book, Inequalities in Sub-Saharan Africa: Multidimensional Perspectives and Future Challenges, which is the result of a research collaboration between the African Centre of Excellence for Inequality Research (ACEIR) network and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), explores the roots of these inequalities and offers actionable solutions to address them. 

Alongside other recent reports, such as the World Bank’s Levelling the Playing Field: Addressing Structural Inequalities to Accelerate Poverty Reduction in Africa and Oxfam’s Takers not Makers: The Unjust Poverty and Unearned Wealth of Colonialism, this book contributes the critical discourse on the emergency to tackle wealth divides by offering fresh insights and evidence on inequality’s enduring presence in Africa.

As a side event of the conference South Africa at 30 Years of Democracy, this gathering will serve as a platform to consolidate and discuss these critical works in the context of Africa’s economic and social landscape. The event aims to bridge the gap between academic research, policy recommendations, and actionable strategies to combat inequality while ensuring that economic growth policies integrate equity concerns. Thus, the aim is to deepen understanding of the intricate relationship between inequality, poverty, and economic growth policies, leading to concrete policy recommendations for African governments and international institutions. 

Event objectives

  • Explore the structural drivers of inequality in Africa and why it persists;
  • Discuss policies that can effectively confront inequality and promote inclusive growth;
  • Examine the links between inequality reduction and anti-poverty strategies;
  • Highlight how policies aimed at economic growth must incorporate equity considerations; and
  • Provide a networking opportunity to foster collaborations on tackling inequality.

Target audiences

Policymakers and government representatives; academics and researchers; international organisations (e.g. World Bank, UN agencies); civil society organisations and advocacy groups; and private sector stakeholders with an interest in inclusive economic development.

Outcomes

Through meaningful discussions, the organisers expect to strengthen partnerships and collaboration between these key stakeholders, fostering a network of policymakers, researchers, and civil society organisations committed to reducing inequality. The gathering also will provide a roadmap for future research and policy engagement on African inequality, ensuring that inclusive and sustainable growth remains a priority in development agendas.

Proposed themes and discussion points

  • Understanding the persistence of inequality in Africa (historical and structural factors; contemporary economic and political drivers).
  • Policy approaches to addressing inequality (fiscal and social protection policies; investment in public goods and services; strengthening labour market policies).
  • Inequality and poverty reduction strategies (interplay between inequality reduction and poverty alleviation; best practices and lessons from successful country cases).
  • Incorporating equity in growth strategies (addressing the misconception that growth alone reduces inequality; the role of progressive taxation and wealth redistribution; ensuring policy coherence between growth and equity measures).
  • Engaging key stakeholders to effect change (the role of governments, international institutions, and non-governmental organisations; strengthening social dialogue for more inclusive policy making; identifying key entry points for advocacy and action).

Format and speakers

The event will feature an expert panel discussion, and an interactive discussion. Confirmed and potential speakers include:

  • Prof. Vimal Ranchhod (SALDRU/ACEIR), Rawane Yasser (AFD) and Dr Anda David (AFD) (insights from Inequalities in Sub-Saharan Africa: Multidimensional Perspectives and Future Challenges).
  • Dr Andrew Dabalen, Chief Economist for Africa, World Bank.
  • Carl Bernadac, Director of the Research Department, AFD.
  • Prof. Imraan Valodia, Pro Vice-Chancellor: Climate, Sustainability and Inequality; and Director of the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies at Wits University.
  • Representative/s from UNICEF/UNDP (international perspectives on inequality and poverty reduction).
  • Representative/s from African civil society organisations (ground-level perspectives and solutions).