Interdependence between the construction sector and the national economy in developing countries : a special focus on Angola and Mozambique

Lopes, JP

Abstract

This research discusses and analyses the role of construction in economic
development in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a special emphasis on Angola and
Mozambique.
This study follows research undertaken by previous writers who have investigated
the relationship between the construction sector and economic development and
found a direct relationship between the share of construction in gross domestic
product (GDP) and GDP per capita in an increasing form of per capita income level.
Data on construction and economic related sectors spanning generally 22 years are
used to model the development pattern of the construction industry in Sub-Saharan
African countries for the near future.
The statistical sources used in this analysis are drawn from World Bank and United
Nations publications. Additionally, field study data, including collection of
secondary data, from Angola and Mozambique are used in detail to complement data
provided by international sources. The construction sector operating environment
including policy changes in the area of general economic policy of these countries
are also addressed in this study.
Studies on construction in developing countries have tended to approach the
construction industry in the context of the process of industrialisation, towards a
long-term economic growth. It is argued that the new approach should focus the
construction industry in the general framework of the determinants of growth.
This thesis puts forward evidence that a long-term decreasing growth in GDP per
capita corresponds directly to a relative decrease in construction volume. The
converse does not appear to be true. Some implications for public policy for the
concerned countries are discussed.

Citation

Lopes, J. Interdependence between the construction sector and the national economy in developing countries : a special focus on Angola and Mozambique. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Sep 26, 2011
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 26, 2011
• Award Date: Jan 1, 1997