Africa/World Economic Forum

African growth could lead to political instability - report

Article published on the 2008-05-30 Latest update 2008-05-31 10:34 TU

Johannesburg, South Africa
(Photo: South African Tourism)

In a report released today, the World Economic Forum says that continued economic growth across Africa have given rise to extraordinary levels of inequality which are likely to lead to political instability. The first Africa Risk Report was released ahead of next week's meeting in Cape Town, of the World Economic Forum on Africa.

A total of 45 out the 48 countries in sub-Saharan Africa had achieved growth averaging 4.7 per cent since the turn of the decade, according to the report.

It says that the growth was usually from a low base and often fired by a boom in commodity prices rather than better governance.

"There are four main risks that Africa faces," said Irèné Casanova, one of the authors of the report. "Food and water security, economic shocks, political instability and climate changes are highlighted in the report."