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Does freer trade really lead to productivity growth?: Evidence from Africa

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  • Bresnahan, Lauren
  • Coxhead, Ian
  • Foltz, Jeremey
  • Mogues, Tewodaj

Abstract

We use firm-level data from the World Bank’s Regional Program on Enterprise Development, covering Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania for 1991–2003. Econometric results confirm well-known relationships, such as a positive association between export intensity and TFP, which implies that more productive firms are more likely to select in to exporting.

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  • Bresnahan, Lauren & Coxhead, Ian & Foltz, Jeremey & Mogues, Tewodaj, 2013. "Does freer trade really lead to productivity growth?: Evidence from Africa," IFPRI discussion papers 1262, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    • Handle: RePEc:fpr:ifprid:1262
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    8. Nguyen Phuc Canh & Su Dinh Thanh, 2022. "The Dynamics of Export Diversification, Economic Complexity and Economic Growth Cycles: Global Evidence," Foreign Trade Review, , vol. 57(3), pages 234-260, August.
    9. Sotamenou Joël & Nehgwelah Glory, 2018. "Impact Of Free Trade On Agriculture: Evidence From Cameroon," Journal of Smart Economic Growth, , vol. 3(2), pages 55-70, December.
    10. Ibrahim Mike Okumu & Joseph Mawejje, 2020. "Labour productivity in African manufacturing: Does the level of skills development matter?," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 38(4), pages 441-464, July.
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    Keywords

    trade; firm productivity; Manufacturing industries; exports; trade liberalization;
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