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Fostering domestic resources mobilization in sub-Saharan Africa: Linking natural resources and ICT infrastructure to the size of informal economy

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  • Kpognon, Koffi D.

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of natural resources rents and information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure on the size of the informal economy in Sub-Saharan African countries. It does so by using different measures of the informal economy, resources rents, and ICT and employs pooled OLS and IV-2SLS estimators to estimate two-way fixed effects models. The study covers 42 countries and spans the period 1991–2015. The results reveal that while natural resources rents increase the size of the informal economy, ICT has a mixed direct effect on the informal economy. More interestingly, the results reveal that resources rents reduce the size of the informal economy in countries with higher accessibility to ICT. African states need to ensure transparent management of natural resources revenues but also use these revenues to increase public spending to support growth and diversification to create more jobs in the formal sector. They should also invest more in ICT infrastructure to help mobilize domestic resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Kpognon, Koffi D., 2022. "Fostering domestic resources mobilization in sub-Saharan Africa: Linking natural resources and ICT infrastructure to the size of informal economy," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:77:y:2022:i:c:s0301420722002057
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2022.102757
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    Cited by:

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    3. Dada, James Temitope & Ajide, Folorunsho Monsur & Arnaut, Marina & Al-Faryan, Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh, 2024. "On the contributing factors to shadow economy in Africa: Do natural resources, ethnicity and religious diversity make any difference?," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    4. Ajide, Kazeem Bello & Ridwan, Lanre Ibrahim, 2023. "Does natural resource wealth hinder or promote activity of the shadow markets in africa?," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PA).
    5. Khan, Zeeshan & Hossain, Mohammad Razib & Badeeb, Ramez Abubakr & Zhang, Changyong, 2023. "Aggregate and disaggregate impact of natural resources on economic performance: Role of green growth and human capital," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    6. Kpognon, Koffi D., 2022. "Effect of Natural Resources on the Size of Informal Economy in sub-Saharan Africa: An Empirical Investigation," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 1-14.
    7. Xiao, Anran & Xu, Zeshui & Qin, Yong & Lv, Shengnan & Skare, Marinko, 2023. "The impact of natural resources on technology innovation from cross-country panel data: A comparative analysis and policy-level insights," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PB).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Natural resources; ICT; Informal sector; Sub-Saharan Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa
    • Q30 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - General

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