The construction industry and macroeconomy in Sub-Saharan Africa post 1970

This paper reports research aimed at the establishment of a model of interdependence between the construction sector and the national economy, based on a long term trend, for the developing countries of Sub-Saharan Africa. This study follows research undertaken by previous writers who have investigated the relationship between the construction sector and economic development and found a positive relationship between the share of construction in gross domestic product (GDP) and the level of per capita national income. In addition, recent economic and demographic trends in Sub-Saharan Africa are presented and significant events that have had a great impact in this region are highlighted. Evidence is presented 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.