The ‘New Normal’ Concept Critique

Abstract : There is increased use of the phrase “new normal” in the current times to refer to the state of the economies in Africa. The word normal in its formal meaning is linked to terms such as “usual”, “regular”, “standard”, “customary”, “expected” and “accustomed” among others. Generally, normal outcome is preferred than any other outcome. If something is not normal it is a defect, it has deviated and ways to have it corrected are usually sort as a remedy. A positive deviation may be acceptable, however, in a careful manner, checking possible future effects. The “new normal” concept now exist to praise what is not normal by making it acceptable as the new version of normality. In the name of ‘new normal’, it is increasingly being noticed of ‘inefficiency’ being labelled as new normal, hence no effective remedies sort to address the deviation. Many development indicators for African nations indicates low levels of performance, a lot being caused by instability and bad policies. Without adequate effort to address the problems, policy makers and authorities have been always busy preaching the gospel of ‘new normal’, to force the general populace to accept and settle for economic and social conditions brought about by inefficiency. African states are characterized by high levels of unemployment and poverty, civil wars and instability, unstable currencies, unfair income distribution, nepotism and corruption, infrastructure deficits, among other negative indicators. The study argues that the prevailing conditions in African states should never be linked to the term ‘new normal’ rather what is required is to make appropriate development policies to turn the economies in the right path that is sustainable. Noted drivers of inefficiency in African states include poor governance, weak institutions, poor policy formulation and implementation, low private sector engagement, low regional and international cooperation, political will among many others. The study recommends various measures that may be taken to correct the economic and social conditions of African states hence enabling attainment of positive development results.