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Structural Changes and Employment Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Does Demographic Structure Matter?

Author

Listed:
  • Adegboye , Abidemi C.

    (University of Lagos, Nigeria)

  • Arodoye , Nosakhare L.

    (University of Lagos, Nigeria)

Abstract

This study examines the effects of structural changes on employment growth in the sub-Saharan African (SSA) region using demographic structure as an intermediary factor. Data used covers 37 SSA countries for the period 2000 to 2018 and the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) and decomposition techniques are employed to show the indirect and direct relationships respectively. Economic structure in the region is found to mainly promote total employment with services sector having a larger capacity for absorbing labour, especially in low-productivity activities. There is also evidence that demographic changes in SSA region, while acting as a strong base for drawing employment, has led to significant losses in productive employment yields. Countries with large labour force tend to produce highly vulnerable and less productive employment, especially for the youths. Demographic changes, rather than economic structure, have more long run implications for employment in the SSA region.

Suggested Citation

  • Adegboye , Abidemi C. & Arodoye , Nosakhare L., 2023. "Structural Changes and Employment Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Does Demographic Structure Matter?," Journal of Economic Development, The Economic Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, vol. 48(2), pages 143-166, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:jecdev:0062
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Decomposition Analysis; Employment Rate; Employment Vulnerability; Labour Force Growth; Productivity Growth; Sectoral Shares;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J11 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Demographic Trends, Macroeconomic Effects, and Forecasts
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements

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