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The Effect of Economic Freedom on Quality of Life: Exploring the Role of Political Risk Factors in Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Anthony E. Akinlo
  • Charles O. Okunlola

Abstract

This article examines economic freedom’s impact on quality of life conditional on the political risk factors in Africa over the period 1985–2016, using the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) estimation technique. The results show that economic freedom has a significant positive effect on the quality of life. However, political risk fundamentals, namely civil liberties, political rights and conflict, cause economic freedom to deteriorate the quality of life in African. These results support North’s (1990) argument that political institutions play a cardinal role in Africa’s economic outcomes and well-being. Therefore, governments in Africa must improve on the political factors to enhance economic freedom’s impact on quality of life. Moreover, policies that lead to an increase in aid and economic growth will improve the quality of life in Africa. JEL: C23, I31, P25

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony E. Akinlo & Charles O. Okunlola, 2025. "The Effect of Economic Freedom on Quality of Life: Exploring the Role of Political Risk Factors in Africa," Journal of Interdisciplinary Economics, , vol. 37(1), pages 42-68, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jinter:v:37:y:2025:i:1:p:42-68
    DOI: 10.1177/02601079221121894
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • P25 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics

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