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Central Bank Independence, Inflation, and Poverty in Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Agyapomaa Gyeke-Dako
  • Elikplimi Komla Agbloyor
  • Abel Mawuko Agoba
  • Festus Turkson
  • Emmanuel Abbey

Abstract

This article discusses the extent to which central bank independence (CBI) can be used to mitigate the regressive nature of inflation. Using 44 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries from the period 1970–2012, the article first examines whether CBI has any influence on inflation by distinguishing between legal independence and governor turnover rates. The evidence shows that CBI helps control inflation, and that inflation generally reduces poverty, and this effect is even stronger, in an environment of low CBI. JEL Codes: E02, E58, E31, I32

Suggested Citation

  • Agyapomaa Gyeke-Dako & Elikplimi Komla Agbloyor & Abel Mawuko Agoba & Festus Turkson & Emmanuel Abbey, 2022. "Central Bank Independence, Inflation, and Poverty in Africa," Journal of Emerging Market Finance, Institute for Financial Management and Research, vol. 21(2), pages 211-236, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:emffin:v:21:y:2022:i:2:p:211-236
    DOI: 10.1177/09726527221078434
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Central bank independence; inflation; poverty; Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E02 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General - - - Institutions and the Macroeconomy
    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies
    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty

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