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GDP per Capita among African Countries over the Period 1950-2008: Highlights of Convergence Clubs

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  • Serge Rey

    (CATT - Centre d'Analyse Théorique et de Traitement des données économiques - UPPA - Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour)

  • Florent Deisting

    (CATT - Centre d'Analyse Théorique et de Traitement des données économiques - UPPA - Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour)

Abstract

Using intradistribution dynamics and panel unit root tests, this study considers the economic convergence processes of 53 African countries during the period 1950–2008. The stochastic evidence reveals no global convergence among African countries but provides indications of convergence clubs. The poorest countries remained relatively poor, stuck in a poverty trap, whereas countries with the best initial conditions converged. The analysis of structural characteristics reveals that the significant determinants of the constitution of convergence clubs among African countries are openness, foreign direct investment inflows, and the level of development. In a few cases, tests also highlight the production structure and access to the sea as determinants.
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Suggested Citation

  • Serge Rey & Florent Deisting, 2012. "GDP per Capita among African Countries over the Period 1950-2008: Highlights of Convergence Clubs," Post-Print hal-01881912, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01881912
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://univ-pau.hal.science/hal-01881912
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Dukhabandhu Sahoo & Diptimayee Mishra & Auro Kumar Sahoo & Phendulwa Zikhona Makunga & Jayanti Behera, 2020. "Regional and subregional analyses of macroeconomic policy strategies for growth and equality in Southern Africa," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2020-176, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Convergence; Clubs; Distribution dynamics; Kernel stochastic; stochastic convergence; Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O4 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity
    • C1 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General

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