Перевод
Язык оригинала
15.07.2025
Impact of state policy on human capital. Case of Africa
Impact of state policy on human capital is a topic of primary importance, espe- cially under current conditions, when the global economy is facing unprecedented challenges. Human capital defined as a set of competences, knowledge, and expe- rience of the population is the main driver of economic growth and sustainable development. According to economist Gary Becker, quality of human capital can determine performance of people and hence their standard of living (Becker, 1993). From this point of view, state policy plays a key role in education, as well as accumulation and optimum usage of this capital.
Introduction of authoritative state policy may not only strengthen human capital, but also promote education in economic and social inequalities. Educa- tion, public healthcare, and employment of the population are the areas, in which participation of the government may directly affect the quality and availability of human resources. For example, investments in education may improve qualifica- tion of labor force, thus, facilitating technical improvement and adaptation to labor market transformations (World Bank, 2019). Besides, efficient policy in the area of public healthcare may improve labor performance, as healthy population can take more active part in the economy.
At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that state policy is not always designed and implemented correctly. Studies suggest that poorly designed policy can aggravate existing inequalities and negatively affect accumulation of human capital (OECD, 2020).
To maximize positive impact of state policy on human capital, it is necessary to implement an integrated approach that takes into account specifics of the social and economic context of each country.
This essay discusses various characteristics of state policy impact on
human capital in Africa, highlights problems revealed and successes achieved. Besides, it considers how correctly designed state policy can create environment that is favorable for human capital development, thus, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Africa, that is rich in its cultural diversity and natural resources, is facing diffi- cult problems that hinder its development.
I. Problems of state policy
State policy in Africa is facing multiple problems that restrict its efficiency and area of application. One of the main obstacles is the lack of proper financing. Many African countries have difficulty finding funds for education and public healthcare, which negatively affects the quality of the services offered. According to the World Bank, less than 20% of African countries can assign 15% of their state budget to education as recommended by the Dakar Consensus.
Another serious problem is associated with state governance and corruption. State policy is slowed down by inefficient management and funds embezzlement, which reduce the impact of investments received. For example, in Nigeria corrup- tion in public healthcare resulted in inequality in access to medical services and mediocre results of public healthcare development regardless of the efforts made to improve the public healthcare system.
Gender inequality and socio-economic discrimination also constitute a seri- ous problem. Girls and women, especially in rural areas, are ohen facing difficulties associated with access to education and medical services. According to UNICEF, the rate of dropout from educational institutions in Tropical Africa is higher among girls, which restricts their development potential and contribution to human cap- ital.
At the same time, it shall be mentioned that regardless of these difficulties it
was possible to achieve success of state policy regarding the human capital issue.
II. Successes of public policy in the human capital issue
State policy in Africa achieved significant success, in particular, in education, public healthcare, and employment. In education, several countries made signifi- cant achievements in terms of access to education. For example, due to implemen- tation of the policy of free education Ghana significantly increased coverage with primary education. According to UNESCO, the level of school education in terms of primary education in Ghana increased from 82% in 2000 to 97% in 2016, which indicates the positive impact of the educational policy on human capital.
Besides, public healthcare is an area in which efficient state policy promotes better health indices. The vaccination program in Africa supported by such inter- national organizations as the World Health Organization made it possible to sig-
nificantly reduce infant mortality. For example, the mortality rate of children below five years old in Rwanda reduced by approximately 50% from 2005 till 2015 due to the state policy of public healthcare that is aimed at vaccination and access to basic medical services.
Some initiatives associated with employment plan were designed to promote development of entrepreneurship and employment. YouStart program in Ghana that is aimed at the support of young entrepreneurs illustrates how the target pol- icy can strengthen human capital by offering education, financing, and resources for development of entrepreneurship. Preliminary results suggest increased level of employment among the population and positive entrepreneurial dynamics, which promotes economic growth.
It shall be mentioned that it is necessary to improve the state policy for Africa to achieve significant success in this area.
III. Africa on the way towards inclusive and sustainable state policy
To maximize the impact of state policy on human capital in Africa, it is nec- essary to develop inclusive and sustainable strategies. This requires multidimen- sional approach that includes education, public healthcare, employment, and gender equality.
First of all, it is necessary to increase investments in education and focus on its quality and equal access for everyone. African governments shall fulfill their finan- cial obligations in education and implement programs promoting life time educa- tion. Such initiatives as scholarships for girls or professional education programs may promote reduction in inequality and
strengthening of human capital.
At present, Russian Federation offers over 30,000 scholarships to African states for their students to be able to get high quality education. Further informa- tion is available at the web-site of the embassy of the Russian Federation in Gabon (https://gabon.mid.ru/fr/enseignement_sup_rieur_en_russie/bourse_du_gouverne ment_de_la_f_d_ration_de_russie/)
Secondly, improvement of the public healthcare system is crucial for wellbeing of the population. Public healthcare policy shall be aimed at provision of universal access to health services, disease prevention, and health strengthening. Increased financing of public healthcare associated with transparency and proper manage- ment may promote improved health of the population and strengthening of human capital.
Thirdly, promotion of entrepreneurship and employment of the population shall be the main task of the state policy. Programs to support young entrepreneurs in combination with initiatives in professional education may support increased employment of the population and improved professional qualities. Cooperation between the public and private sectors is required to develop environment that is favorable for innovations and creation of job opportunities.
An example of state policy projects to help young entrepreneurs is Rosmolo-
dezh in the Russian Federation that accompanies thousands of young entrepre- neurs.
In the end, state policy shall include gender equality and ensure that women and girls have equal access to educational resources and medical services. Initia- tives aimed at the promotion of gender equality in education and employment may promote strengthening of human capital and inclusive economic growth.
Conclusion
State policy in Africa has potential for transformation of human capital and promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth. However, for this policy to be efficient it has to solve such basic problems as financing, proper manage- ment, and inequality.
Using an integrated approach that focuses on education, public healthcare, employment of the population, and gender equality, African countries may create environment that is favorable for human capital development, thus,
ensuring sustainable development for future generations.
Introduction of authoritative state policy may not only strengthen human capital, but also promote education in economic and social inequalities. Educa- tion, public healthcare, and employment of the population are the areas, in which participation of the government may directly affect the quality and availability of human resources. For example, investments in education may improve qualifica- tion of labor force, thus, facilitating technical improvement and adaptation to labor market transformations (World Bank, 2019). Besides, efficient policy in the area of public healthcare may improve labor performance, as healthy population can take more active part in the economy.
At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that state policy is not always designed and implemented correctly. Studies suggest that poorly designed policy can aggravate existing inequalities and negatively affect accumulation of human capital (OECD, 2020).
To maximize positive impact of state policy on human capital, it is necessary to implement an integrated approach that takes into account specifics of the social and economic context of each country.
This essay discusses various characteristics of state policy impact on
human capital in Africa, highlights problems revealed and successes achieved. Besides, it considers how correctly designed state policy can create environment that is favorable for human capital development, thus, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Africa, that is rich in its cultural diversity and natural resources, is facing diffi- cult problems that hinder its development.
I. Problems of state policy
State policy in Africa is facing multiple problems that restrict its efficiency and area of application. One of the main obstacles is the lack of proper financing. Many African countries have difficulty finding funds for education and public healthcare, which negatively affects the quality of the services offered. According to the World Bank, less than 20% of African countries can assign 15% of their state budget to education as recommended by the Dakar Consensus.
Another serious problem is associated with state governance and corruption. State policy is slowed down by inefficient management and funds embezzlement, which reduce the impact of investments received. For example, in Nigeria corrup- tion in public healthcare resulted in inequality in access to medical services and mediocre results of public healthcare development regardless of the efforts made to improve the public healthcare system.
Gender inequality and socio-economic discrimination also constitute a seri- ous problem. Girls and women, especially in rural areas, are ohen facing difficulties associated with access to education and medical services. According to UNICEF, the rate of dropout from educational institutions in Tropical Africa is higher among girls, which restricts their development potential and contribution to human cap- ital.
At the same time, it shall be mentioned that regardless of these difficulties it
was possible to achieve success of state policy regarding the human capital issue.
II. Successes of public policy in the human capital issue
State policy in Africa achieved significant success, in particular, in education, public healthcare, and employment. In education, several countries made signifi- cant achievements in terms of access to education. For example, due to implemen- tation of the policy of free education Ghana significantly increased coverage with primary education. According to UNESCO, the level of school education in terms of primary education in Ghana increased from 82% in 2000 to 97% in 2016, which indicates the positive impact of the educational policy on human capital.
Besides, public healthcare is an area in which efficient state policy promotes better health indices. The vaccination program in Africa supported by such inter- national organizations as the World Health Organization made it possible to sig-
nificantly reduce infant mortality. For example, the mortality rate of children below five years old in Rwanda reduced by approximately 50% from 2005 till 2015 due to the state policy of public healthcare that is aimed at vaccination and access to basic medical services.
Some initiatives associated with employment plan were designed to promote development of entrepreneurship and employment. YouStart program in Ghana that is aimed at the support of young entrepreneurs illustrates how the target pol- icy can strengthen human capital by offering education, financing, and resources for development of entrepreneurship. Preliminary results suggest increased level of employment among the population and positive entrepreneurial dynamics, which promotes economic growth.
It shall be mentioned that it is necessary to improve the state policy for Africa to achieve significant success in this area.
III. Africa on the way towards inclusive and sustainable state policy
To maximize the impact of state policy on human capital in Africa, it is nec- essary to develop inclusive and sustainable strategies. This requires multidimen- sional approach that includes education, public healthcare, employment, and gender equality.
First of all, it is necessary to increase investments in education and focus on its quality and equal access for everyone. African governments shall fulfill their finan- cial obligations in education and implement programs promoting life time educa- tion. Such initiatives as scholarships for girls or professional education programs may promote reduction in inequality and
strengthening of human capital.
At present, Russian Federation offers over 30,000 scholarships to African states for their students to be able to get high quality education. Further informa- tion is available at the web-site of the embassy of the Russian Federation in Gabon (https://gabon.mid.ru/fr/enseignement_sup_rieur_en_russie/bourse_du_gouverne ment_de_la_f_d_ration_de_russie/)
Secondly, improvement of the public healthcare system is crucial for wellbeing of the population. Public healthcare policy shall be aimed at provision of universal access to health services, disease prevention, and health strengthening. Increased financing of public healthcare associated with transparency and proper manage- ment may promote improved health of the population and strengthening of human capital.
Thirdly, promotion of entrepreneurship and employment of the population shall be the main task of the state policy. Programs to support young entrepreneurs in combination with initiatives in professional education may support increased employment of the population and improved professional qualities. Cooperation between the public and private sectors is required to develop environment that is favorable for innovations and creation of job opportunities.
An example of state policy projects to help young entrepreneurs is Rosmolo-
dezh in the Russian Federation that accompanies thousands of young entrepre- neurs.
In the end, state policy shall include gender equality and ensure that women and girls have equal access to educational resources and medical services. Initia- tives aimed at the promotion of gender equality in education and employment may promote strengthening of human capital and inclusive economic growth.
Conclusion
State policy in Africa has potential for transformation of human capital and promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth. However, for this policy to be efficient it has to solve such basic problems as financing, proper manage- ment, and inequality.
Using an integrated approach that focuses on education, public healthcare, employment of the population, and gender equality, African countries may create environment that is favorable for human capital development, thus,
ensuring sustainable development for future generations.
L'impact des politiques publiques sur le capital humain est un sujet d'une importance capital, particulièrement dans le contexte actuel où les économies mondiales sont confrontées à des défis sans précédent. Le capital humain, défini comme l'ensemble des compétences, des connaissances et des expériences que possède une population, est un moteur essentiel de la croissance économique et du développement durable. Selon l'économiste Gary Becker, la qualité du capital humain peut déterminer la productivité d'une nation et, par conséquent, son niveau de vie (Becker, 1993). Dans cette perspective, les politiques publiques jouent un rôle fondamental dans la formation, la rétention et l'utilisation optimale de ce capital.
La mise en œuvre des politiques publiques éclairées peut non seulement renforcer le capital humain, mais aussi contribuer à réduire les inégalités économiques et sociales. L'éducation, la santé, et l'emploi sont des domaines où les interventions gouvernementales peuvent avoir un impact direct sur la qualité et la disponibilité des ressources humaines. Par exemple, des investissements dans l'éducation peuvent améliorer la qualification de la main-d'œuvre, facilitant ainsi l'innovation et l'adaptation aux transformations du marché du travail (World Bank, 2019). De plus, des politiques de santé efficaces peuvent améliorer la productivité des travailleurs, car une population en bonne santé est plus apte à participer activement à l'économie.
Cependant, il est crucial de reconnaître que les politiques publiques ne sont pas toujours bien conçues ou mises en œuvre. Des recherches montrent que des politiques mal ciblées peuvent exacerber les inégalités existantes et nuire à l'accumulation du capital humain (OECD, 2020).
Pour maximiser l'impact positif des politiques publiques sur le capital humain, il est impératif d'adopter une approche intégrée, qui prenne en compte les spécificités du contexte socio-économique de chaque pays.
Cet essai examine les différentes dimensions de l'impact des politiques publiques sur le capital humain en Afrique, en mettant l'accent sur les défis rencontrés et les réussites engendrés. Nous explorerons également comment des politiques publiques bien conçues peuvent créer un environnement propice à
l'épanouissement du capital humain, favorisant ainsi une croissance économique inclusive et durable.
L'Afrique, riche de sa diversité culturelle et de ses ressources naturelles, est confrontée à des défis complexes qui entravent son développement.
Les défis des politiques publiques
Les politiques publiques en Afrique font face à de nombreux défis qui limitent leur efficacité et leur portée. L'un des principaux obstacles est le manque de financement adéquat. De nombreux pays africains peinent à allouer des ressources suffisantes à l'éducation et à la santé, ce qui compromet la qualité des services offerts. Selon la Banque mondiale, moins de 20 % des pays africains ont atteint l'objectif de 15 % de leur budget national consacré à l'éducation, comme recommandé par le Consensus de Dakar.
Un autre défi majeur réside dans la gouvernance et la corruption. Les politiques publiques sont entravées par des pratiques de mauvaise gestion et des détournements de fonds, ce qui réduit l'impact des investissements réalisés. Au Nigeria, par exemple, des allégations de corruption dans le secteur de la santé ont conduit à des inégalités d'accès aux soins et à des résultats de santé médiocres, malgré les efforts déployés pour améliorer le système de santé.
Les inégalités de genre et les discriminations socio-économiques représentent également un défi majeur. Les filles et les femmes, en particulier dans les zones rurales, sont souvent confrontées à des obstacles d'accès à l'éducation et aux soins de santé. Selon l'UNICEF, le taux d'abandon scolaire est plus élevé chez les filles en Afrique subsaharienne, ce qui limite leur potentiel de développement et leur contribution au capital humain.
Cependant il faut noter que malgré ces difficultés, il y’a eu des réussites des politiques publiques en matière de capital humain.
Les réussites des politiques publiques en matière de capital humain
Les politiques publiques en Afrique ont connu des succès notables, notamment dans les domaines de l'éducation, de la santé et de l'emploi. Dans le domaine de l'éducation, plusieurs pays ont réalisé des avancées significatives en matière d'accès à l'éducation. Par exemple, le Ghana, grâce à la mise en œuvre de la politique de l’éducation gratuite, a vu une augmentation considérable du taux de scolarisation primaire. Selon l'UNESCO, le taux net de scolarisation dans l'éducation primaire au Ghana est passé de 82 % en 2000 à 97 % en 2016, ce qui témoigne de l'impact positif des politiques éducatives sur le capital humain.
De plus, la santé est un domaine où des politiques publiques efficaces ont contribué à l'amélioration des indicateurs de santé. Le programme de vaccination en Afrique, soutenu par des organisations internationales comme l'Organisation mondiale de la santé, a permis de réduire significativement la mortalité infantile. Au Rwanda, par exemple, le taux de mortalité des enfants de moins de cinq ans a chuté de près de 50 % entre 2005 et 2015, grâce à une politique de santé publique axée sur la vaccination et l'accès aux soins de santé de base.
Sur le plan de l'emploi, certaines initiatives ont été mises en place pour favoriser l'entrepreneuriat et l'insertion professionnelle. Le programme « YouStart
» du Ghana, qui vise à soutenir les jeunes entrepreneurs, illustre comment des politiques ciblées peuvent renforcer le capital humain en offrant des formations, des financements et des ressources pour le développement d'entreprises. Les résultats préliminaires montrent une augmentation de l'emploi et une dynamique entrepreneuriale positive, contribuant ainsi à la croissance économique.
Il faut noter, pour que l’Afrique connaisse des succès remarquables dans ce domaine, il doit améliorer ces politiques publiques.
L’Afrique vers des politiques publiques inclusives et durables
Pour maximiser l'impact des politiques publiques sur le capital humain en Afrique, il est essentiel de concevoir des stratégies inclusives et durables. Cela nécessite une approche multidimensionnelle qui intègre l'éducation, la santé, l'emploi et l'égalité des genres.
Premièrement, l'investissement dans l'éducation doit être renforcé, en mettant l'accent sur la qualité de l'enseignement et l'accès équitable pour tous. Les gouvernements africains doivent s'engager à respecter les engagements financiers en matière d'éducation et à promouvoir des programmes qui favorisent l'apprentissage tout au long de la vie. Des initiatives telles que les bourses d'études pour les filles ou les programmes de formation professionnelle peuvent contribuer à réduire les inégalités et à renforcer le capital humain.
De nous jours, la Fédération de Russie offre plus de 30 000 bourses d'études aux Etats africains afin qu'ils envoient leurs étudiants pour des études de hautes qualités. Des informations plus détaillées peuvent être retrouvé sur le site de l'ambassade de la Fédération de Russie en République Gabonaise (https://gabon.mid.ru/fr/enseignement_sup_rieur_en_russie/bourse_du_gouverne ment_de_la_f_d_ration_de_russie/)
Deuxièmement, l'amélioration des systèmes de santé est cruciale pour garantir le bien-être des populations. Les politiques de santé doivent être axées sur l'accès universel aux soins de santé, la prévention des maladies et la promotion
de la santé. L'augmentation du financement pour la santé, associée à des mesures de transparence et de bonne gouvernance, peut contribuer à améliorer les résultats de santé et à renforcer le capital humain.
Troisièmement, la promotion de l'entrepreneuriat et de l'emploi doit être au cœur des politiques publiques. Des programmes de soutien aux jeunes entrepreneurs, combinés à des initiatives de formation professionnelle, peuvent permettre de créer des opportunités d'emploi et de renforcer les compétences. La collaboration entre les secteurs public et privé est essentielle pour favoriser un environnement propice à l'innovation et à la création d'emplois.
A titre d'exemple de projets de politiques publiques aidant des jeunes entrepreneurs, nous avons en Fédération de Russie Rossmolodoj qui accompagne des milliers des jeunes entrepreneurs et non chaque année.
Enfin, les politiques publiques doivent intégrer une perspective de genre, en veillant à ce que les femmes et les filles aient un accès égal aux ressources éducatives et aux soins de santé. Des initiatives visant à promouvoir l'égalité des genres dans l'éducation et l'emploi peuvent contribuer à renforcer le capital humain et à favoriser une croissance économique inclusive.
Conclusion
Les politiques publiques en Afrique ont le potentiel de transformer le capital humain et de favoriser une croissance économique inclusive et durable. Cependant, pour que ces politiques soient efficaces, elles doivent surmonter des défis majeurs tels que le financement, la gouvernance et les inégalités.
En adoptant une approche intégrée qui privilégie l'éducation, la santé, l'emploi et l'égalité des genres, les pays africains peuvent créer un environnement propice à l'épanouissement du capital humain, garantissant ainsi un développement durable pour les générations futures.
Читать весь текст
Социальные сети Instagram и Facebook запрещены в РФ. Решением суда от 21.03.2022 компания Meta признана экстремистской организацией на территории Российской Федерации.
