The human side of economic development in Africa:a paradigm shift

Purpose – This editorial builds on the distinction between soft and hard economics and discusses dominant explanations for the development challenges of Sub-Sahara African (SSA) countries. It also seeks to offer a backdrop for the papers in the present volume of AJEMS. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – It is based on a review of a selection of literature that highlights the dominant perspectives in neoclassical economics and competing streams of research that provide alternative perspectives. Findings – The review suggests the emergence of a competing paradigm that focuses attention on the human factor in economic growth process – i.e. the development of human capability as a foundation of sustainable inclusive growth. The competing streams of research seem to co-exist today, but there are potentials for paradigmatic criss-crossing in future research. Originality/value – It provides directions for future research into issues of economic growth and poverty alleviation in SSA. </jats:sec