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The Quest for Higher Growth in the WAEMU Region: The Role of Accelerations and Decelerations

Author

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  • Mr. Montfort Mlachila
  • Mr. Tidiane Kinda

Abstract

With the exception of Burkina Faso and Mali, the growth experience for WAEMU countries has been disappointing, even when compared to other sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. The main objective of the paper is to investigate why the quest for a growth takeoff has been more elusive in the WAEMU countries compared to other SSA countries. To do this, the paper focuses on the determinants of growth accelerations and decelerations in SSA and the WAEMU. It finds that the variables most closely associated with growth accelerations and decelerations in SSA are changes in terms of trade, private investment, civil tension, real exchange rates, and inflation. Second, as found elsewhere in the literature, there is a certain asymmetry between accelerations and decelerations, in both frequency and determinants, and that the WAEMU region is quite different from the rest of SSA.

Suggested Citation

  • Mr. Montfort Mlachila & Mr. Tidiane Kinda, 2011. "The Quest for Higher Growth in the WAEMU Region: The Role of Accelerations and Decelerations," IMF Working Papers 2011/174, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2011/174
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    13. Hans Weisfeld & Ms. Manuela Goretti, 2008. "Trade in the WAEMU: Developments and Reform Opportunities," IMF Working Papers 2008/068, International Monetary Fund.
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    Cited by:

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    3. Florence Bouvet & Roy Bower & Jason C. Jones, 2022. "Currency Devaluation as a Source of Growth in Africa: A Synthetic Control Approach," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 48(3), pages 367-389, June.

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