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There will be no economic takeoff in Africa without lots of large (private sector) firms
On why African states’ jobs agenda must focus on catalyzing firm growth (and not disorganized investments in micro-entrepreneurship)
Aug 29
•
Ken Opalo
74
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There will be no economic takeoff in Africa without lots of large (private sector) firms
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21
On Africa’s “arbitrary” borders and their alleged impacts
Borders are not the leading cause of state weakness or political and economic underdevelopment in Africa
Aug 14
•
Ken Opalo
148
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On Africa’s “arbitrary” borders and their alleged impacts
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27
How Ethiopia avoided colonization in the late 19th century but then lagged behind in the 20th century
Lessons in stateness, (failed) modernization, and economic (under)development
Aug 7
•
Ken Opalo
144
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How Ethiopia avoided colonization in the late 19th century but then lagged behind in the 20th century
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19
July 2025
A Historical Political Economy of Kenya
A high-achiever country repeatedly let down by mediocre leadership
Jul 24
•
Ken Opalo
101
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A Historical Political Economy of Kenya
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5
How Kenya’s opposition can defeat President William Ruto in 2027
In order to win in 2027 the opposition has to be bigger than the sum of its regional components; and engineer a wave election
Jul 11
•
Ken Opalo
57
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How Kenya’s opposition can defeat President William Ruto in 2027
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3
Reelecting William Samoei Ruto
Electoral politics is a game of numbers, and right now the numbers and fundamentals favor William Ruto
Jul 1
•
Ken Opalo
61
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Reelecting William Samoei Ruto
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12
June 2025
On the Kenyan economy under William Ruto’s presidency
Still muddling through despite the government’s best efforts
Jun 22
•
Ken Opalo
69
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On the Kenyan economy under William Ruto’s presidency
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10
May 2025
How should development practice (and institutions) approach the coming reforms in the aid sector?
The past is gone. And there are lots of reasons not to mourn for its reinstatement.
May 29
•
Ken Opalo
75
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How should development practice (and institutions) approach the coming reforms in the aid sector?
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9
What does the rise and decline of STEM enrollment in Kenyan universities tell us about the Kenyan economy?
A pitch to increase STEM enrollment (and fix higher education in Kenya)
May 16
•
Ken Opalo
49
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What does the rise and decline of STEM enrollment in Kenyan universities tell us about the Kenyan economy?
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3
How to (more reliably) electrify Africa for economic growth and development
Deepening energy access must be complemented by an aggressive pro-growth agenda; with sufficient attention to economic and political incentives
May 11
•
Ken Opalo
79
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How to (more reliably) electrify Africa for economic growth and development
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7
April 2025
Straight talk on African elites’ complacency: the case of Kenya
Figuring out how to get things done is a major constraint to African development
Apr 30
•
Ken Opalo
114
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Straight talk on African elites’ complacency: the case of Kenya
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32
America’s tariff wars present no upside opportunities for African economies
The tariff’s most important negative impact will be via the coming global economic slowdown
Apr 14
•
Ken Opalo
77
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America’s tariff wars present no upside opportunities for African economies
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3
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