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Capital flows and the distribution of income in sub-Saharan Africa

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  • Adams, Samuel
  • Klobodu, Edem Kwame Mensah

Abstract

In this study, we examine the differential effects of capital flows on the distribution of income in 21 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries over the period 1984–2013. The empirical results show that FDI has a moderate positive effect on income inequality, which suggests that FDI increases income inequality in both the short and the long-run. Remittances, external debt and aid flows, however, do not have robust impact on income inequality. Further, our findings indicate unidirectional causality from FDI to income inequality in the short-run when we account for heterogeneity. Finally, our country-specific estimates indicate that capital flows have mixed effect on inequality in SSA.

Suggested Citation

  • Adams, Samuel & Klobodu, Edem Kwame Mensah, 2017. "Capital flows and the distribution of income in sub-Saharan Africa," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 169-178.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:55:y:2017:i:c:p:169-178
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2017.05.006
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    5. Victoria I. Okafor & Isaiah O. Olurinola & Ebenezer Bowale & Romanus Osabohien, 2023. "Financial development and income inequality in Africa," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-10, December.
    6. Ajisafe Rufus Adebayo & Okunade Solomon Oluwaseun, 2020. "International Capital Inflow and Sub-Saharan African Economy: Does Capital Inflow Lead Growth?," Growth, Asian Online Journal Publishing Group, vol. 7(1), pages 26-34.
    7. Ishfaq Hamid & Pabitra Kumar Jena, 2020. "Linear And Non-Linear Granger Casuality Between Foreign Direct Investment And Economic Growth: Evidence From India," Copernican Journal of Finance & Accounting, Uniwersytet Mikolaja Kopernika, vol. 9(2), pages 25-44.
    8. Law, Siong Hook & Naseem, N.A.M. & Lau, Wei Theng & Trinugroho, Irwan, 2020. "Can innovation improve income inequality? Evidence from panel data," Economic Systems, Elsevier, vol. 44(4).
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    10. Ofori, Isaac K. & Gbolonyo, Emmanuel Y. & Ojong, Nathanael, 2022. "Foreign Direct Investment and Inclusive Green Growth in Africa: Energy Efficiency Contingencies and Thresholds," MPRA Paper 115379, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 09 Nov 2022.

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