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Can we build inclusion in Africa? The key role of infrastructure

Author

Listed:
  • Georges Ngnouwal Eloundou

    (IUT Villetaneuse / CEPN/ Université de Sorbonne Paris Nord)

  • Honoré Tekam Oumbe

    (Faculty of Economics and Management / University of Dschang)

  • Bruno Emmanuel Ongo Nkoa

    (Faculty of Economics and Management / CEREG / University of Yaounde II)

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze the effect of infrastructure on inclusive growth in African countries. Using an unbalanced panel of 37 countries over the period 2003–2020, we apply pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and dynamic System Generalized Method of Moments (sGMM) estimations. The findings indicate that overall infrastructure significantly and positively influences inclusive growth, with heterogeneous effects across its components, electricity having the strongest effect, followed by water and ICT, while transport shows a more modest effect. Based on these results, we recommend: (i) increasing investment in all infrastructure categories to ensure equitable access; (ii) promoting public-private partnerships to accelerate project implementation; and (iii) easing regulatory constraints, particularly in land acquisition, to improve financing and delivery of infrastructure projects.

Suggested Citation

  • Georges Ngnouwal Eloundou & Honoré Tekam Oumbe & Bruno Emmanuel Ongo Nkoa, 2026. "Can we build inclusion in Africa? The key role of infrastructure," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 46(1), pages 1-14.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-24-00433
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    • E2 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment
    • D6 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics

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