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To what extent do colonial ties and knowledge spillovers continue to influence the development of scientific capabilities in sub-Saharan Africa? Using a new database of publication output of 46 sub-Saharan African countries over the period 1976–2016 and a production function approach, this paper gives evidence that knowledge produced in former colonizing countries continues to have a large and persistent effect on publication output in Africa. This relationship is growing stronger over time. Furthermore, the publication output of smaller countries and those at more advanced stages of scientific, economic and political development is more closely related to the publication output of their former colonizer. Overall, these findings have implications for programs and policies aiming to facilitate the development of scientific capacity in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In examining some big questions on African development, I provide evidence that the dynamics of some development indicators could support both endogenous and neoclassical growth theories in the convergence debate. This paper investigates convergence in real per capita gross domestic product and inequality-adjusted human development in 38 African countries, disaggregated into 10 homogenous panels based on regions ( Sub- Saharan and North Africa), income levels (low, middle, lower middle and upper middle), legal origins ( English common law and French civil law) and religious dominations ( Christianity and Islam). The main finding is that the income component of the Human Development Index moves slower than others in the convergence process, and thus requires a more focused policy intervention. As a policy implication, looking beyond income convergence can provide a concrete agenda for development involving all aspects of economic, institutional and social life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]