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An analysis of the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI), political risk and economic growth in South Africa

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  • Meyer, Daniel Francois
  • Habanabakize, Thomas

Abstract

A country’s political stability and trends in economic growth are important factors to attract foreign investment. Most developing countries struggle to achieve political stability and high levels of growth. Due to these issues, developing countries attract limited foreign investment. Applying the Bounds test for cointegration, an ARDL model was utilized using time series data from 1995 to 2016, this study examined the potential impact of political risk and gross domestic product (GDP) on foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to the South Africa. Findings of the study revealed that in both short and long run, political risk and economic growth affect the level of foreign direct investment. The political risk rating was found to have a higher impact on FDI flow if compared to GDP. The lower the political risk level (resulting in a highly rated index), the higher the level of FDI inflows. Using the Granger causality approach, empirical results indicated a bi-directional causal relationship between FDI and economic growth, while it was found that political risk causes changes in FDI. In other words, individually, political risk and gross domestic product cause changes in FDI. Based on the study findings, it is imperative for the South African government to reduce the level of political risk in order to increase foreign investment into the country which, in return, could assist in economic growth and welfare.

Suggested Citation

  • Meyer, Daniel Francois & Habanabakize, Thomas, 2018. "An analysis of the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI), political risk and economic growth in South Africa," Business and Economic Horizons (BEH), Prague Development Center, vol. 14(4), pages 777-788, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:pdc:jrnbeh:v:14:y:2018:i:4:p:777-788
    DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15208/beh.2018.54
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    Cited by:

    1. Pavitra Dhamija, 2020. "Economic Development and South Africa: 25 Years Analysis (1994 to 2019)," South African Journal of Economics, Economic Society of South Africa, vol. 88(3), pages 298-322, September.
    2. James Temitope Dada & Ezekiel Olamide Abanikanda, 2022. "The moderating effect of institutions in foreign direct investment led growth hypothesis in Nigeria," Economic Change and Restructuring, Springer, vol. 55(2), pages 903-929, May.
    3. Thomas Habanabakize & Zandri Dickason-Koekemoer, 2023. "Country Risk Effects and Government Domestic Debt Nexus in South Africa," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 13(1), pages 29-34, January.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ARDL model; economic growth; foreign direct investment; political risk; South Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F43 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Economic Growth of Open Economies
    • O50 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - General

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