In a thought-provoking op-ed for Premium Times Nigeria, economist ‘Tope Fasua poses the question: why haven’t African economists won a Nobel Prize?
According to Fasua, there are several reasons that could be contributing to this. One major factor is the informality of African economies, which he notes are the largest in the world. This informality, a result of past dislocations and mistrust in imported systems of government, makes it challenging for African economists to fully understand and analyze these economies.
Fasua also points out the impact of history on African economies as another factor. He suggests that the historical context is crucial in understanding the economic challenges faced by African nations, yet this aspect is often overlooked in traditional economic analysis.
While the reasons for the lack of Nobel Prizes for African economists are complex, Fasua argues that it is crucial for the field to acknowledge and address these issues in order to move forward. As he notes, ‘We must encourage more research into these unique challenges, and support African economists in their pursuit of knowledge.’
According to Premium Times Nigeria, Fasua is a Nigerian economist and author who has written extensively on economic issues in Africa.








