Precolonial Centralization and Modern State Capacity in Africa - Dataset

We empirically examine the determinants of bureaucratic capacity in contemporary Africa. We connect the state capacity literature with historical and anthropological work on African state formation. Our results show a positive and statistically significant impact of precolonial centralization on bureaucratic quality in Africa, from the late-1990s onwards. Before the late-1990s, however, there is no such relationship. Our empirical findings imply that precolonial experiences have become more important over recent decades suggesting a re-emergence of deeper historical roots in Africa as the colonial experience is fading.