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Understanding Foreign Direct Investment in the Southern African Development Community: An Analysis Based on Project-Level Data

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  • Mhlanga, Nomathemba
  • Blalock, Garrick
  • Christy, Ralph D.

Abstract

This paper uses a uniquely rich project-level dataset to analyze determinants and trends of FDI flows to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. We control for the source of the investment, the sector in which the investment is undertaken, and the investment type in addition to project size. The results indicate market size to have a positive impact on FDI flows under all specifications- a result consistent with earlier studies. Other variables are unstable depending on specification and the subset of the data used. Furthermore, we find no significant differences in factors that drive FDI flows by source country, while greenfield investments are seen to respond more to the growth potential of the market relative to other forms of investment. In general, we find macroeconomic variables to be poor at explaining project-level FDI in the region. The descriptive analysis of the data points us more in the direction of the gravity model, with factors such as colonial ties and proximity of the investing country appearing to matter. Limited flows and minimal sectoral diversity, calls for enhanced investment promotion and collaborative efforts among member states.

Suggested Citation

  • Mhlanga, Nomathemba & Blalock, Garrick & Christy, Ralph D., 2009. "Understanding Foreign Direct Investment in the Southern African Development Community: An Analysis Based on Project-Level Data," 2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China 51632, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:iaae09:51632
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.51632
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Catherine Ragasa & Suresh Babu & John Ulimwengu, 2014. "Institutional reforms and agricultural policy process: lessons from Democratic Republic of Congo," Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer;Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 2(1), pages 1-21, December.

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