Introduction

I have just examined the shortcomings of the sectoral approach to economic policy. My task in this chapter is to go beyond criticism and contribute to the improvement of economic policy in Africa. I shall do this by defining a conceptual framework for a good economic policy; that is to say, a conceptual framework that is not merely a juxtaposition of sectoral policies. Although the task of defining a conceptual framework for economic policy has not so far been undertaken by current literature, which justifies the fact that the analyses are still compartmentalized (i.e., focused on specific themes and sectors), defining a conceptual framework that could inspire a revival of the economic policy of African countries is nevertheless facilitated by the fact that most of the elements of such a framework exist in the literature, though in an uncoordinated and dispersed manner.