Of these, three have consistently been reported as significant. Real per capita income, reflecting the country's stage of development and capturing the idea of convergence over long periods of time. Life expectancy at birth, reflecting the health dimension of human capital. Primary school enrolment ratio, reflecting the educational dimension of human capital. While necessary as determinants, these three are not sufficient to ensure high and robust growth and development.
Initial conditions are important in choosing policies.
Policies not derived from or anchored to initial conditions may have unintended outcomes. Given the diversity of initial conditions and the diversity of Africa, this chapter singles out income, institutions, the political environment, and human capital as the most critical contributors to Africa's development. The daunting challenges in these areas must be addressed if the continent is to claim its rightful place in the global economy and emancipate its people from poverty. Africa has great natural resources and a large internal market. Above all it has the advantage of a late comer on the technological scene.