Abstract
Import substitution industrialization (ISI) is such a template that many countries lagging behind in terms of development considered as an essential phase. The process of adopting ISI by these countries, however, displays contrasts in many aspects. The more apparent cases of differences in ISI adoption emanate from the East-Asian and Sub-Saharan African (SSA) models. These two regions are both latecomers in that industrial revolution, compared to Latin American countries being pioneers, was a chronologically later undertaking. Despite constraining factors, the East-Asian model thrives to become a successful experience. Meanwhile, SSA and Latin American countries still strive to achieve this ambition. This paper presents the developing countries’ approach to ISI in general, and the Sub-Saharan African particular case to this process. The paper dives into national level to unveil features that favor or hinder this initiative in SSA. Guinea’s case offers an interesting framework to gauge the effect of different economic policies espoused in implementing ISI. The paper applies a qualitative approach and draws on existing literature with the complement of the author’s account to apprehend the “nuts and bolts” of Guinea’s experience with ISI. Due to critical obstacles, ISI implementation in SSA and Guinea particularly has failed to meet expectations.
Date Received
February 8, 2025
Date Revised
December 18, 2025
Date Accepted
December 22, 2025
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Diallo, Mamadou Saliou
(2025)
"Import Substitution Industrialization in Africa: Guinea's Experience,"
Markets, Globalization & Development Review:
Vol. 10:
No.
3, Article 2.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/mgdr/vol10/iss3/2
Included in
Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons, Development Studies Commons, International and Area Studies Commons, Political Economy Commons, Sociology Commons
Author Bio
Mamadou Saliou Diallo is a researcher and lecturer at the University of Tsukuba, Japan. He holds a Ph.D. in social sciences. His research interests focus on International Relations, International Development, Public Policy, and Development Economics.