FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SUB-SAHARAN-AFRICA WITH REFERENCE TO ANGOLA Vulnerability and volatility factors in economic diversification

Supervisor/s: Carlos Nuno Castel-Branco

Doctoral Programme: Political Economy: Interdisciplinary Ph.D.

This research project proposal investigates the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth (EG) and economic diversification in Sub-Saharan Africa countries, with a focus on Angola.

This study proposes a qualitative and quantitative investigation with a descriptive and analytical nature. The present methodology intends to emphasize that economic ties have a historical logic that needs to be found for the essence of the economic dynamics we want to research to be revealed. The expected results demonstrate an understanding of the historical context of the evolution of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) concerning the Angolan economy, how and what happens to the productive forces and the social relations of production.

The research implies that economic diversification strategy in SSA markets should be considered carefully. It identifies the main historical and institutional factors associated with Angola's lack of economic diversification and, hence, proposes a political economy of Angola's economic diversification.