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Does monetary integration lead to income convergence in Africa? a study of the CFA monetary area

Author

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  • Souleymane Ndao

    (University of Picardie Jules Verne, CRIISEA)

  • Nikolay Nenovsky

    (University of Picardie Jules Verne, CRIISEA
    RUDN University, Faculty of Economics)

  • Kiril Tochkov

    (Texas Christian University)

Abstract

The CFA franc area is one of the oldest currency unions, but it has come under intense criticism recently for failing to promote economic growth and income convergence between member states. This paper examines the growth experience of the 14 member countries relative to a common benchmark over the period 1960–2011. In particular, we use a combination of parametric and non-parametric methods to study convergence patterns as well as growth dynamics and to identify the factors responsible for changes in relative per-capita income. The results indicate divergence tendencies that result in a bimodal distribution in the long run. The sharp devaluation of the CFA franc in 1994 increases intradistributional mobility which is directed towards lower income levels. The regression analysis suggests that openness, FDI, and financial development have a positive and robust effect on convergence in the currency union.

Suggested Citation

  • Souleymane Ndao & Nikolay Nenovsky & Kiril Tochkov, 2019. "Does monetary integration lead to income convergence in Africa? a study of the CFA monetary area," Portuguese Economic Journal, Springer;Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestao, vol. 18(2), pages 67-85, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:portec:v:18:y:2019:i:2:d:10.1007_s10258-018-0150-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10258-018-0150-8
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    Cited by:

    1. Souleymane NDAO & Nikolay Nenovsky, 2020. "External Dependence of the African Franc CFA zone. Empirical Investigations on Money Supply Process," Economic Alternatives, University of National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria, issue 3, pages 357-367, September.
    2. Aman, Moustapha & Nenovsky, Nikolay, 2022. "Monetary stability and regional currency board: towards a two-tier system to accelerate regional integration in the Horn of Africa: a policy proposal," MPRA Paper 115605, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    African monetary integration; CFA zone; Convergence; Growth factors;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F45 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Macroeconomic Issues of Monetary Unions
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa

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