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Enhancing population's health status in sub-Saharan Africa: does economic complexity matter?

Author

Listed:
  • Nidel Lolita Wassou

    (University of Dschang, Cameroon)

  • Arsene Mouongue Kelly

    (University of Dschang, Cameroon)

  • Luc Nembot Ndeffo

    (University of Dschang, Cameroon)

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between economic complexity and health outcomes for 22 Sub-Saharan African countries from 2002 to 2017. Using the Ordinary Least Squares and the Generalized Method of Moments techniques, the analysis reveals that greater economic complexity significantly reduces key health indicators such as infant mortality, undernourishment, and death rates, while also improving life expectancy. These findings are consistent across alternative estimation strategies and measures of economic complexity, highlighting the important influence of economic diversification and sophistication on population health in the region.

Suggested Citation

  • Nidel Lolita Wassou & Arsene Mouongue Kelly & Luc Nembot Ndeffo, 2024. "Enhancing population's health status in sub-Saharan Africa: does economic complexity matter?," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 44(4), pages 1356-1366.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-24-00252
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Arsene Mouongue Kelly & Isaac Ketu & Jules‐Eric Tchapchet Tchouto & Luc Nembot Ndeffo, 2024. "Investigating the link between exhaustion of natural resources and economic complexity in sub‐Saharan Africa," African Development Review, African Development Bank, vol. 36(3), pages 486-502, September.
    2. Hartmann, Dominik & Guevara, Miguel R. & Jara-Figueroa, Cristian & Aristarán, Manuel & Hidalgo, César A., 2017. "Linking Economic Complexity, Institutions, and Income Inequality," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 75-93.
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    11. Isaac Ketu & Jules-Eric Tchapchet Tchouto & Arsene Mouongue Kelly, 2022. "Does infrastructure development drive economic complexity in African countries?," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 42(4), pages 2043-2053.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development

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