Global Immersion: Development and Democracy: Digging into the Success of Ghana

Many academic and popular studies of conclude that democracy and growth are jointly necessary for development. Not all agree. This course looks at a leading test case of Ghana and the quality of its governmental capacity and entrepreneurial and innovative sectors to assess the future of its businesses and economic prospects. Ghana is a good choice for this assessment in the context of the evolving African continent. Africa’s markets have a large potential that has attracted global competition and investment in up- and downstream markets. Africa is the world’s second-fastest growing region – after emerging Asia according to the African Development Bank Report. About half of the growth of the continent’s GDP growth is due to consumer-facing industries. 1.3 billion people live in Africa and according to the United Nations, the population is expected to increase to 2.5 billion by 2050. The working-class population in Africa is growing by 2.7 percent each year (compared to 1.3 percent in Latin America and 1.2 percent in Southeast Asia). Not surprisingly, many firms and investors are trying to tap into Africa’s markets. This course aims to train students’ global intelligence, i.e., their understanding of specific cultural and contextual aspects of business by analyzing the potential and challenges of African markets – using Ghana as a case study. A multiethnic West African country with 34,589,092 million inhabitants in 2023 and 56% of the population younger than 25 in 2020, Ghana was one of the fastest growing countries in the world with 8.1 percent GDP growth in 2017. The economic outlook is less stellar now, estimated to be 2.94% in 2023. Ghana shares similar demographic and consumer characteristics with its neighbors: About half of income earners are young (between 16 and 34 years old) and aware and eager to try new products. In addition to understanding markets in Africa, the course should also strengthen student’s cultural intelligence, i.e. their capabilities to function and manage effectively in culturally diverse settings. To strengthen this acquisition of local knowledge, the course will also provide exposure to the political environment. Ghana is considered one of the safest and most stable countries in sub-Sahara Africa. It faces challenges found in many countries in providing access to democratic civil liberties to all citizens, such as women and LGBT. Travel to Ghana will take place during spring break, March 15-22 2025 to Accra. The 2024-2025 Global Immersion Program mandatory fee for all classes is $2100 and provides students with double occupancy lodging, ground transportation and some meals. It does not cover roundtrip international airfare. Attendance both in New York and in-country and regular participation are a crucial part of the learning experience and as such attendance is mandatory. Students who miss the first-class meeting may be removed from the course. No program fee refunds will be given after the add/drop period has closed. Please visit the Chazen Institute website to learn more about the Global Immersion Program and visit the Global Immersion Policies page to review policies affecting these courses. Please note all international travel involves risk. We do not control the cities and companies we visit. We try our best to plan a safe trip with positive experience. However, if your tolerance for risk or uncertainties is low, GIP is not for you.