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Financial intermediation and economic growth in southern Africa

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  • Donald S. Allen
  • Leonce Ndikumana

Abstract

The role of the financial sector in stimulating economic growth has been debated in the economic profession for decades. The prevailing view is that financial intermediaries reduce the transactions costs of channeling funds from savers to entrepreneurs by reducing information asymmetries between lenders and borrowers, there by stimulating investment and growth. Inflation, on the other hand, increases uncertainty and has a negative impact on investment and reduces growth. This paper tests these two hypotheses empirically using a pooled time series for a cross-section of countries in the southern cone of Africa. The countries are members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) integrated trade group. The empirical results suggest a positive correlation between the growth in the level of liquid liabilities ( as a proxy for financial depth) and economic growth, and also confirm the negative correlation between inflation and economic growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Donald S. Allen & Leonce Ndikumana, 1998. "Financial intermediation and economic growth in southern Africa," Working Papers 1998-004, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedlwp:1998-004
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    2. Enowbi Batuo, Michael & Mlambo, Kupukile, 2012. "Financial liberalisation, Banking Crises and Economic Growth in African Countries," MPRA Paper 41524, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Alomar, Ibrahim, 2005. "الدور التنموي للمصارف والوسطاء الماليين [Develpmental Role of Banks and Financial Intermediaries]," MPRA Paper 18798, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    4. Roseline Oluitan, 2012. "Financial Development and Economic Growth in Africa: Lessons and Prospects," Business and Economic Research, Macrothink Institute, vol. 2(2), pages 54-67, December.
    5. Gregory Price, 2008. "NEA Presidential Address: Black Economists of the World You Cite!!," The Review of Black Political Economy, Springer;National Economic Association, vol. 35(1), pages 1-12, March.
    6. Sylvanus Ikhide, 2003. "Was There a Credit Crunch in Namibia Between 1996-2000?," Journal of Applied Economics, Universidad del CEMA, vol. 6, pages 269-290, November.
    7. Ahmed, Abdullahi D., 2016. "Integration of financial markets, financial development and growth: Is Africa different?," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 43-59.

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