Constructing the social democratic developmental state in Africa: lessons from the “Global South”

Abstract

Since the dawn of the post-colonial era in the various regions of the "Global South," including Africa, the appropriate role of the state in the development process has been a frontier issue. The resulting debate has revolved around two major trajectories: the minimalist state and the maximalist state. The former, shaped by the liberal cum neo-liberal Weltanschauung, posits that the state should have a limited role in socio-economic development-basically the creation of propitious conditions for the private accumulation of capital. Essentially, the suzerainty over the development process should rest with the "market" and its associated forces, particularly businesses. On the other hand, the maximalist state perspective asserts that the state should have a prominent role in the development process, including serving as the engine.

Malawi’s Third Republic: Towards a Democratic Developmental State?

“…Theoretically, this resonates with institutional theory, which claims that good institutions and good governance are fundamental for development, while emphasizing structural change as a requirement for economic development and growth (Hillbom, 2012), and further emphasizing the need for the autonomy of the state from social obstructive forces so that it can use these capabilities to devise long-term development policies independent from state capture by private and selfish interests (Kieh, 2015;Mkandawire, 2001). The state is expected to be strong with the required administrative capacity and the political muscle to push through its long-term development agenda deemed good for the country despite having some divergent views.…”

“…A democratic developmental state is underpinned by a mission or commitment to foster economic growth and development, usually associated with increased investment, improved living standards and reduced poverty and inequality (Mkandawire, 2001; Routley, 2014). Guided by the country’s long-term development plans and vision, this is expected to emanate from high rates of structural transformation, productivity growth and inclusive economic growth, the success of which mainly depend on the quality of leadership to the lead the process and state dynamism in having the ability to handle the consequences of globalization and the continuous transformation the country is expected to go through in order to fit in the new and emerging global economy (Kieh, 2015; Mkandawire, 2001).…”

“…A democratic developmental state has to be relatively autonomous in terms of both the ruling elites and the state institutions, in order to be able to devise long-term development policies effectively, aimed at safeguarding and promoting national interests without being hijacked by specific groups’ interests. However, this does not mean that the state should be completely de-linked or alienated from the society as well as its needs and aspirations, but rather establish developmental links or networks to enable the effective delivery and achievement of the country’s developmental goals by maintaining strategic relationships with the wider civil society (Kieh, 2015; Routley, 2014). However, in reality what exists is what is referred to as ‘embedded autonomy’, meaning that despite the power and autonomy of state bureaucracies, they have become embedded in a progressively dense network of non-state and other state actors through which the state is able to coordinate the economy and implement its development objectives (Leftwich, 2005; Routley, 2014).…”

“…The concept of democracy that embodies higher levels of political representation, citizens’ participation, and electoral competition provides incentives for political representatives to perform better in office and enhance the general welfare of citizens (Bellinger, 2019). These attributes should be anchored on the respect for political rights and oversight through checks and balances and rule of law, a multiparty system of government supported by the holding of free and fair elections, free press and public opinion, independence of the three arms of government, transparency and accountability, and a vibrant civil society (Kieh, 2015). These are expected to encompass the essential mechanisms for creating a state that is responsive, efficient and accountable (Edigheji, 2005).…”

Developmental States in Sub-Saharan Africa: Reflections on State, Development, and Foreign Policy

“…Kieh then underlined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Word Bank's roles in promoting the market-oriented perspective. Although the analysis covered crucial matters, Kieh (2015) did not review mainstream's recent initiatives, nor did he problematize the different analytical views within the developmental state framework (however, different types of developmental states were broadly discussed). Also, Kieh did not elaborate on the possible points of convergence between the two stances.…”