Is Democracy a Prerequisite for Economic Growth? A Sectoral Analysis of Authoritarian Capitalism in Rwanda's Coffee Sector

Abstract: The question of whether democracy is needed as a prerequisite for growth is highly debated within the development field. The rapid growth of the East Asian “miracle” economies has questioned the necessity of democracy in producing growth outcomes, with growing literature supporting the notion of authoritarian-led growth. This paper will analyze the evidence behind the widening acceptance of authoritarian capitalism and its application in Rwanda’s coffee sector. The findings will indicate that although democracy is indeed not a prerequisite for growth, long term economic sustainability is reliant on continued liberalization of markets and improved personal freedoms, ultimately leading to a transition to democracy.