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The Contribution of Economic Complexity to Social Welfare in Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Stéphane Mbiankeu Nguea

    (University of Dschang)

  • Issidor Noumba

    (University of Yaoundé II)

Abstract

Using data collected on 27 African countries over the period 1996–2017 and Driscoll-Kraay standard errors and instrumental variable (IV) techniques, this paper investigates the extent to which economic complexity contributes to improving social welfare. Human Development Index (HDI), infant mortality rate, life expectancy at birth, household consumption expenditure and human capital are the main indicators chosen to capture social welfare. The results show that, as economies produce and export highly complex goods, social welfare is enhanced. This study also indicates that GDP per capita and globalization moderate the effects of economic complexity on social welfare.

Suggested Citation

  • Stéphane Mbiankeu Nguea & Issidor Noumba, 2024. "The Contribution of Economic Complexity to Social Welfare in Africa," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(4), pages 20349-20369, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jknowl:v:15:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s13132-024-01900-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s13132-024-01900-5
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economic complexity; HDI; Heath; Household consumption; Education;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development

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