Around 95% of infrastructure spending in sub-Saharan Africa is funded by national governments rather than the private sector.
Why market structure matters for development
i really like this research article from VoxDev on global differences in cement prices as it brings Theme 3 micro and Theme 4 macro together.
Pigouvian Taxes - Beyond Meat boss backs tax on meat consumption
Who would have thought that the CEO of a company producing plant-based meat alternatives would be in favour of a tax on meat consumption.
Labour Markets - Where have all the workers gone?
Here is a really interesting article about the impact of coronavirus on the labour market, and the nature of the recovery.
This article features basic economics: scarcity and resource use. Factor in a little bit of technology and what's not to like.
Anti-competitive behaviour - CMA fines pharma firm over pricing of crucial thyroid drug
The Competition and Markets Authority has the pharmaceutical sector firmly in their sights judging by news that they have levied a fine of £100 million on the owners and manufacturers of thyroid...
State ownership - Sheffield Forgemasters is nationalised
Sheffield Forgemasters, a leading supplier of steel to the UK Ministry of Defence is to be taken into state ownership.
Every little helps! Tesco's £1,000 signing on bonus for HGV drivers is a natural market response to the chronic shortage of drivers that threatens to impede recovery from the pandemic.
Here is a great example of a business whose revenues and profits have benefitted from the shift to online spending during the pandemic.
Here is a good example of how higher input costs are cutting the profit margins of one of the world's largest consumer goods firms.
Education economics - should government intervene to mandate lower tuition fees for local students?
Record numbers of students have applied for university places this according to data published by UCAS, the university admissions administrator.
Regional economics - Seaside poor health overlooked
Economic and social deprivation suffered by many in UK coastal towns is highlighted in a report from England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty.
Some good context here on changing demand factors in the market for outdoor camping equipment.
As the 3rd wave of the coronavirus pandemic sweeps through the UK, the need for close contacts to self-isolate is becoming a significant economic issue.
The UK's small shopkeepers collectively are struggling under a £1.7 billion mountain of debt according to a new report.
Sustainable growth - can beer go green for the planet?
It seems that the brewing sector is an unlikely pioneer in greening the industry, with five brands leading the way.
The rise of fish farming in Cameroon offers developmental opportunities and an increased supply of domestic fish to the market, something that's likely to benefit the economy as a whole.
“Capitalism without competition isn’t capitalism, it’s exploitation." said Joe Biden last week as an executive order was signed curbing the market power of a raft of businesses and sectors.
Teaching Activity - Alien Abduction!
If you're looking for a fun activity for start or end of term, try this 'Alien Abduction' Powerpoint game!
Economics Weekly Quiz - 16 July 2021
Here's our last economics news quiz of this extraordinary academic year! Which company has become the UK's most valuable tech firm? What was the inflation rate in June? What has the BoE become...