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How to Boost the Impact of Intra-African Trade on Income in Africa ?

Author

Listed:
  • Blaise Gnimassoun

    (EconomiX - EconomiX - UPN - Université Paris Nanterre - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, BETA - Bureau d'Économie Théorique et Appliquée - INRA - Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique - UNISTRA - Université de Strasbourg - UL - Université de Lorraine - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

Regional trade integration is viewed by both international institutions and local political leaders as a key tool for promoting inclusive growth and reducing poverty in Africa. However, several structural weaknesses in African economies undermine trade integration and inhibit its income-enhancing effect. This paper aims to study the conditional effects of intra-African trade openness on the standard of living in Africa by highlighting the influence of these structural weaknesses. Our results clearly show that the impact of intra-regional trade on income depends on the diversification of African economies, their financial development and the quality of their transport and telecommunications infrastructures. Specifically, we find that a substantial improvement in these fundamentals would make intra-African trade significantly income-enhancing.

Suggested Citation

  • Blaise Gnimassoun, 2019. "How to Boost the Impact of Intra-African Trade on Income in Africa ?," Post-Print hal-02515843, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-02515843
    DOI: 10.1007/s11079-018-9519-7
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Income per capita; Trade; Economic integration; Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E64 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Incomes Policy; Price Policy
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa

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