The Time-Travelling Economist: Why education, electricity and fertility are key to escaping poverty

Why does every economic conference about Africa always have a panel on “how to address the savings shortage?” and why do conferences in Asia never ask the same question about their continent ? 

The Time-Travelling Economist answers this question, referencing Europe in the 19th century, Asia in the 20th century and Africa in the 21st. It explains how education is the pre-condition for a fertility decline, that then leads to a savings boom and a plunge in interest rates. Industrialisation and rising per capita GDP only comes after these changes. 

Given the data we have on education and demographics, we can identify the exact decade when each country in Africa will take-off and in the meantime, which countries will be vulnerable to default.  

About the speaker

Charlie Robertson  is Global Chief Economist at Renaissance Capital. He is a leading emerging markets specialist, who covers the global economic themes having the greatest impact on emerging markets.

Chair

• Jonathan di John, Senior Lecturer in Political Economy

This event is part of the SOAS Global Development Seminar Series.

Watch recording

Play video