LED in Africa

Local economic development (LED), specifically strategically-planned LED, is quite new to Africa, as agreed by the Local Economic Development Network of Africa. South Africa is an exception to this, with an an established record of experimenting with various LED approaches. However there are numerous LED programmes and projects that are being implemented across local economies in Africa. These projects include, for example, value-chains, market upgrading and incubator units. These are often developed as isolated projects within  for example, sectoral -infrastructure- or community driven development programmes, but there is not much experience in Africa in developing these projects within the contect of a local economic development planned approach.

'Local Economic Development as an Alternative Approach to Development in Africa' (pdf)is among the pioneering papers attempting to document LED across Africa. The authors argue that in many African countries the potential of LED remains underutilised as it focuses on narrower objectives such as poverty alleviation rather than broader economic growth and employment creation objectives. They advance a strong case for LED in African local economies.

In 2006, during the Africities Conference, Local Governments from over all over Africa resolved to prioritize LED as one of their key priorities. The background paper for this discussion 'Furthering the Local Economic Development Agenda in Africa' (pdf) gave the rationale for undertaking LED and suggested some recommendations for the next steps.

Following Africities 2006, a series of specific resolutions to enable LED activities for national, local governments and donors were developed. These resolutions are attached here (pdf). This network: the Local Economic Development Network of Africa was borne out of these resolutions. Here is the first 2007 LEDNA project Concept Note (pdf). The East African Local Government Association has also prioritised LED within its strategic plan. And a number of Governments are also prioritising LED, in  addition to the South African Government.

In essence there is a wealth of experience across Africa at the local level in individual projects that are focused on the local economy or improving livelihoods. There is much less, but growing experience in  Much of this experience has not been documented or shared, and as part of its aim LEDNA strives to capture these valuable experiences onto our knowledge hub and share them through our vibrant social network.

• Here are some resources on LED in Africa from various external links.
• Link to country portals and LED Stocktake reports