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 Periodical article |
 Leiden University catalogue |
 WorldCat |
| Title: | African Enterprise Clusters and Industrialization: Theory and Reality |
| Author: | McCormick, Dorothy |
| Year: | 1999 |
| Periodical: | World Development |
| Volume: | 27 |
| Issue: | 9 |
| Period: | September |
| Pages: | 1531-1551 |
| Language: | English |
| Geographic term: | Africa |
| Subjects: | industrial development private enterprises Development and Technology Economics and Trade Politics and Government |
| External link: | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-750X(99)00074-1 |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the theoretical argument that geographic and sectoral clustering enables enterprises to overcome constraints to growth and development. It uses six case studies from Africa, viz. fish (Lake Victoria), vehicle repair (Ziwani), garment (Eastlands) and metalworking enterprise clusters (Kamukunji) in Kenya; (Suame) vehicle repair and metal work enterprises in Ghana; and (Western Cape) clothing enterprises in South Africa. Findings were both theoretical and practical. Theoretically, the study underscored the strength of the collective efficiency framework, but found that certain anomalies could only be explained by other contextual variables. Grouping the six case studies revealed important differences among them, and showed that each group plays its own part in the industrialization process. 'Groundwork' clusters prepare the way; 'industrializing' clusters begin the process of specialization, differentiation, and technological development; and 'complex industrial' clusters produce competitively for wider markets. The paper concludes with practical implications for African governments, donors, and the business community. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. |
