Analysing World Bank Data for Inclusive Economy in Southern Africa to Develop a Community-Participation-Action Framework

This paper aimed to address the challenges faced by Southern Africa in achieving inclusive and sustainable economic goals focusing on community involvement. The study analysed the World Bank poverty and inequality datasets from six Southern African countries, revealing an increase in poverty, inequality, and unemployment among vulnerable populations as outcomes of ongoing exclusive economy. The paper, therefore, proposed the community participation action (CPA) framework, which focuses on income-labour livelihoods, community wealth, community voice, and long-term sustainability. This paper contributes to the academy, policy making, and practice in sustainable economic development in Southern Africa.