This panel proposes a discussion on the role of structural transformations in Africa, their feasibility, processes and actors. It raises the question of whether they are desirable given the configuration of global capitalism, and, if so, which directions and forms are the most promising. The issue of structural change has always been central to the field of development economics from its origins in the 1950s to the present day. Critical perspectives such as dependency theory articulated alternatives focused on how to achieve dynamic structural change outside the structures of unequal economic relations between center and periphery. Likewise, more orthodox perspectives in economics propose the need for “economic diversification” without defining ideal trajectories beyond a defense of the resource allocation mechanisms of markets.

In this panel we propose a critical and pluralistic look at the various forms of structural transformation that have taken place in Africa and the relevance of traditional and alternative models given the contemporary economic, political and social realities of African countries. In recent years there has been a revitalization of the arguments in favor of industrialization and the need for active industrial policies to drive structural transformations. But we are in a new context in which (a) the possible structural transformations are highly conditioned by globalization, and (b) the possible structural transformations are highly conditioned by globalization. (b) the need for an ecological transition poses limits to conventional models of industrialization. This gives rise to multiple perspectives and transformation options that must be adjusted to each context and to global economic and political relations.

This panel proposes papers documenting and analyzing various forms of structural economic transformation, such as industrialization (green or not), expansion of formal or informal services or transformations of the agricultural production model, among others. We are particularly interested in empirical papers, but will also consider papers that present conceptual perspectives and relevant debates.