Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! Evan Signature
Evan Carmichael Top Header
Share for a Cause









2.2 Sectoral performance I: Economic Report on Africa 2007

Guest post by: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Article Overview: African economies are experiencing a structural shift whereby the service sector is becoming an important driver of growth. In 2004, the service sector contributed 49 per cent of GDP growth compared to 36 per cent for industry (including mining and quarrying) and 15 per cent for agriculture. In 2004, all three sectors continued to grow, albeit at relatively low rates. The industrial sector had the highest growth rate at 9.05 per cent, although growth in the manufacturing sector fell by almost 3.8 per cent compared to 2003. Developments within each sector and for each subregion are discussed in more detail below.

Free Download - VI. Module III: National, Regional, and International Support By United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Name: Email:

2.2 Sectoral performance I: Economic Report on Africa 2007

African economies are experiencing a structural shift whereby the service sector is
becoming an important driver of growth. In 2004, the service sector contributed 49
per cent of GDP growth compared to 36 per cent for industry (including mining
and quarrying) and 15 per cent for agriculture. In 2004, all three sectors continued
to grow, albeit at relatively low rates. The industrial sector had the highest growth
rate at 9.05 per cent, although growth in the manufacturing sector fell by almost 3.8
per cent compared to 2003. Developments within each sector and for each subregion
are discussed in more detail below.

The agriculture sector

The contribution of agriculture to GDP ranges from a high of more than 33 per
cent in East Africa to less than 8 per cent for Southern Africa. It employs some 70
per cent of the work force and generates on average 30 per cent of Africa’s GDP. The
overall contribution of agriculture to GDP declined in 2004 due to the low performance
of this sector in the North and West African subregions (table 2.5).

Africa is considered a net food-importing region, except for some countries such as
South Africa. The largest share of imported products consists of food products (cereals,
livestock, dairy products, and to a lesser extent, fruits and vegetables). However,
exports of agricultural products represent an important source of foreign exchange
earnings for several African countries. The share of agricultural products in total
merchandise exports ranges from a high of more than 80 per cent for Sudan and
Burundi to a low of less than 1 per cent for Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Their
leading export destination is the EU and the most important commodities exported
are fish and crustaceans, fruits and nuts, cotton, and vegetables.

Table 2.6 shows that commodity production in Africa registered a 1.7 per cent
increase in 2004 and a growth rate of 3.0 per cent over 1990-2004. Performance for
the main agricultural products exhibits high variation across subregions (table 2.6).
The year 2004 was a particularly good one for many important exportable commodities
such as cocoa beans, coffee and cottonseeds. In some countries, production
continues to be influenced by drought conditions. In North Africa, droughts have
adversely affected the production of strategic crops such as wheat, olive and citrus.
Southern African countries also continue to suffer from periodic droughts, especially
Swaziland and Zambia.

Related Articles
  4.0 Diversification trends in Africa: Economic Report on Africa 2007
  1.8 References: Economic Report on Africa 2007
  V. D. The Future of China-Africa Economic Relations: FACTORS INFLUENCING THE GROWING TIES
  Implications of the New Agreement for Africa’s Export Trade
  Overview IX: Economic Report on Africa 2007

Home > African-Accounts > United Nations Economic Commission for Africa > 22 Sectoral performance I Economic Report on Africa 2007
Article Tags: Africa, agricultural products, agriculture, agriculture sector, East Africa, fruits and vegetables, GDP growth, growth rate, growth rate, South Africa, Southern Africa

About the Author: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
RSS for United Nations's articles - Visit United Nations's website

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is the regional arm of the United Nations, mandated to support the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development.

Click here to visit United Nations's website
Dashed Line

More from United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
52 Africas diversification regimes revisited Economic Report on Africa 2007
V Material Benefits of Microfinancing
31 Developments in trade negotiations V Economic Report on Africa 2007
II HOW CAN MICROFINANCE SUCCED IN AFRICA
51 Investment is vital for an economy to diversify Economic Report on Africa 2007


Related Forum Posts
Re: need advice Re: need advice - Africa is a pretty big place I think it is a question of where in Africa you would like to open a call centre. South Africa for example actually has plenty of call centres already operating, so it would very much depend on what part of Africa you are considering. MichelleJ
Re: Newbie from Africa Re: Newbie from Africa - Hello Biiyke Welcome to the forum. Which part of Africa are you from it is quite a big continent? I live in South Africa. MichelleJ
Adventure travel to Africa. Adventure travel to Africa. - Africa is a place where adventure is taking place. If you are a travel who loves adventure, nature, culture you should visit Africa. Safari Village operator is a .leading tour operator in Kenya who are offering marvelous tour packages to Africa. Saffari Villages Online is a trusted name for africa travel.
Re: Global Moderators Re: Global Moderators - Hi GT, In my case, I only have the Report Post and the Quote buttons.
Re: Newbie from Africa Re: Newbie from Africa - [quote="Evan":22gvtxlq]Welcome to the forums Biiyke! You asked if we know any sellers who were trying to reach the African market... I think you'd honestly have more luck going the other way - try to find sellers in Africa and sell to the rest of the world.[/quote:22gvtxlq] Hello Evan, You are absolutely correct.Thank you for your advice.That's actually the whole idea,Africa to the world and the world to Africa. So I will throw more weight on that area.


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.



Featured Article


Bottom Footer
Share for a Cause












Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Name:
Email:
Popular Articles

A New Year in the Pharmaceutical Industry

What is an Adaptive Organization

How do I finance a franchise?

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.