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Technology Adoption and Growth in sub-Saharan African Countries

Author

Listed:
  • Evelyn Wamboye

    (Business Department, Pennsylvania State University, DuBois, PA 15801, USA.)

  • Kiril Tochkov

    (Department of Economics, Texas Christian University, P.O. Box 298510, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA.)

  • Bruno S Sergi

    (1] Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. University of Messina, Via T. Cannizzaro, 278, Messina, 98122, Italy.)

Abstract

This study analyzes the relationship between information and communication technologies (ICTs) and labor productivity growth in sub-Saharan Africa over the period 1975–2010. The results show that fixed-line and mobile telecommunications have a positive and significant impact on growth after penetration rates reach a certain critical mass. The thresholds are identified using nonparametric methods. Penetrations rates of between 20% and 30% for telephones and 5% for internet usage trigger increasing returns. FDI and openness are found to improve productivity and to help ICTs boost growth. Financial development serves as a possible transmission channel for the growth-enhancing effects of ICTs.

Suggested Citation

  • Evelyn Wamboye & Kiril Tochkov & Bruno S Sergi, 2015. "Technology Adoption and Growth in sub-Saharan African Countries," Comparative Economic Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Association for Comparative Economic Studies, vol. 57(1), pages 136-167, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:compes:v:57:y:2015:i:1:p:136-167
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Jellason, Nugun P. & Robinson, Elizabeth J. Z. & Ogbaga, Chukwuma C., 2021. "Agriculture 4.0: is sub-Saharan Africa ready?," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 113550, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    2. Sam Njinyah & Simplice A. Asongu & Sally Jones, 2022. "The role of mobile money adoption in moderating the influence of access to finance in firm performance," Working Papers of the African Governance and Development Institute. 22/075, African Governance and Development Institute..
    3. Tough Chinoda & Joseph Olorunfemi Akande, 2019. "Financial Inclusion, Mobile Phone Diffusion, and Economic Growth; Evidence from Africa," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 9(5), pages 104-110.
    4. Gómez-Barroso, José Luis & Marbán-Flores, Raquel, 2020. "Telecommunications and economic development – The 21st century: Making the evidence stronger," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 44(2).
    5. Saba, Charles Shaaba & David, Oladipo Olalekan, 2020. "Convergence patterns in global ICT: Fresh insights from a club clustering algorithm," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 44(10).
    6. Ibrahim D. Raheem & Aviral K. Tiwari & Daniel Balsalobre-lorente, 2019. "The Role of ICT and Financial Development on CO2 Emissions and Economic Growth," Working Papers of the African Governance and Development Institute. 19/058, African Governance and Development Institute..
    7. Charles Shaaba Saba & Oladipo Olalekan David, 2023. "Identifying Convergence in Telecommunication Infrastructures and the Dynamics of Their Influencing Factors Across Countries," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 14(2), pages 1413-1466, June.
    8. Hooks, D. & Davis, Z. & Agrawal, V. & Li, Z., 2022. "Exploring factors influencing technology adoption rate at the macro level: A predictive model," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    9. Avom, Désiré & Dadegnon, Aimé Kocou & Igue, Charlemagne Babatoundé, 2021. "Does digitalization promote net job creation? Empirical evidence from WAEMU countries," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(8).
    10. Cordelia Omodero, 2023. "Information Communication Technology Taxation And Tax Earnings In A Low-Income Economy," Economic Archive, D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, Svishtov, Bulgaria, issue 1 Year 20, pages 41-54.
    11. Albiman, Masoud Mohammed & Sulong, Zunaidah, 2017. "The linear and non-linear impacts of ICT on economic growth, of disaggregate income groups within SSA region," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(7), pages 555-572.
    12. Ronia Hawash & Guenter Lang, 2020. "Does the digital gap matter? Estimating the impact of ICT on productivity in developing countries," Eurasian Economic Review, Springer;Eurasia Business and Economics Society, vol. 10(2), pages 189-209, June.
    13. Habibi, Fateh & Zabardast, Mohamad Amjad, 2020. "Digitalization, education and economic growth: A comparative analysis of Middle East and OECD countries," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).
    14. Solomon, Edna Maeyen & van Klyton, Aaron, 2020. "The impact of digital technology usage on economic growth in Africa," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    15. Ebenezer Olamide & Kanayo K. Ogujiuba & Andrew Maredza & Phetole Semosa, 2022. "Poverty, ICT and Economic Growth in SADC Region: A Panel Cointegration Evaluation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-15, July.
    16. Raéf Bahrini & Alaa A. Qaffas, 2019. "Impact of Information and Communication Technology on Economic Growth: Evidence from Developing Countries," Economies, MDPI, vol. 7(1), pages 1-13, March.

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