This paper investigates the feasibility of creating a common-currency union consisting of 16 countries in Southern Africa. We estimate an augmented-gravity model that includes public deficit, public debt, public expenditure, inflation, and the foreign reserves position. We also integrate Africa-specific variables such as existing economic blocs in the region, colonial heritage, and the convergence of living standards. Our analysis shows that the prospect for further integration in Southern Africa is promising, but many challenges still persist. The existing economic blocs can provide a first stepping stone to a larger currency union, but countries continuously have to cultivate good governance and fiscal discipline.
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Paper provided by Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA) in its series IZA Discussion Papers with number
4316.
Find related papers by JEL classification: F1 - International Economics - - Trade F3 - International Economics - - International Finance F4 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance O24 - Economic Development, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Trade Policy; Factor Movement; Foreign Exchange Policy O55 - Economic Development, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa
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