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Diaspora Investments and Firm Export Performance in Selected Sub-Saharan African Countries

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  • Boly, Amadou
  • Coniglio, Nicola Daniele
  • Prota, Francesco
  • Seric, Adnan

Abstract

Diasporans can contribute to the development of their home countries by investing their capital in existing businesses and/or setting up new ventures in their countries-of-origin. This paper analyzes whether these growingly important investors differ from domestic firms and foreign investors in terms of export behavior. Our results indicate that diaspora firms are more likely to be exporters, to export more intensively and toward more destinations compared to domestic firms; in addition their export performance is not substantially dissimilar to that of MNEs. The presence of diaspora investors and entrepreneurs may contribute to boost the internationalization of developing countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Boly, Amadou & Coniglio, Nicola Daniele & Prota, Francesco & Seric, Adnan, 2014. "Diaspora Investments and Firm Export Performance in Selected Sub-Saharan African Countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 422-433.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:59:y:2014:i:c:p:422-433
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.02.006
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    8. Fwasa K Singogo & Emmanuel Ziramba, 2019. "An Analysis of Macroeconomic Determinants of Remittances in Southern Africa," Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, AMH International, vol. 11(4), pages 43-53.
    9. Mbaye, Linguère Mously & Tani, Massimiliano, 2019. "Migration, Innovation, and Growth: An African Story?," IZA Discussion Papers 12533, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    10. Mawussé K. N. Okey, 2017. "Does migration promote industrial development in Africa?," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 37(1), pages 228-247.
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    13. Aleksandr V. Gevorkyan, 2022. "Diaspora and Economic Development: A Systemic View," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 34(3), pages 1522-1541, June.

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