Reflections on the Market and the State in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract: Until recently market forces were increasingly suspect and the economic role of the state was generally expanding. The state, however, is now suspect and the market resurgent. The question is still, however, one of balance. In sub-Saharan Africa theory and the empirical evidence suggest that this should be struck in favour of the market. The state should look to the three duties Adam Smith assigned to the sovereign—defence, law and order, and the provision of public goods—and take seriously the task of enforcing competition. In this regard, good economics need not be bad politics. Résumé: Jusque tout recemment, on faisait de moins en moins confiance auxforces du marche alors que le r6le economique de l'Etat s'accroissait de facon generale. Aujourd'hui, on soupconne toutefois 1'Etat. I1 s'agit cependant tou-jours d'une question d'equilibre. En Afrique sub-saharienne, la theorie et les faits empiriques indiquent que l'equilibre devrait s'etablir en faveur du marche.L'Etat devrait considerer les trois fonctions qu'Adam Smith a assignees au Souverain - la defense, l'ordre public et la fourniture de biens publics - etp rendre au serieux la tiche consistant a faire jouer la concurrence.