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Does the real GDP per capita convergence hold in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa?

Author

Listed:
  • Amélie Charles

    (Audencia Business School)

  • Olivier Darné

    (LEMNA - Laboratoire d'économie et de management de Nantes Atlantique - IEMN-IAE Nantes - Institut d'Économie et de Management de Nantes - Institut d'Administration des Entreprises - Nantes - UN - Université de Nantes)

  • Jean-François Hoarau

    (CERESUR - Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches Economique et Sociales de l'Université de La Réunion - UR - Université de La Réunion)

Abstract

This article examines the convergence of real GDP per capita in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) during the period 1950-2003. Income departures across countries were evaluated from several panel data unit root tests, especially we consider the absolute and conditional convergence. We find no evidence supporting the existence of convergence process for the income in the COMESA. Nevertheless, applying economic development criterion allows to identity two absolute convergence clubs into the COMESA, one for the most four developed countries (Egypt, Libya, Mauritius, Seychelles), and one other for the fourteen less developed ones. Thus, we show that most economies of COMESA are locked into a sustained poverty trap process.

Suggested Citation

  • Amélie Charles & Olivier Darné & Jean-François Hoarau, 2009. "Does the real GDP per capita convergence hold in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa?," Working Papers hal-00422522, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-00422522
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-00422522v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Wolassa Lawisso Kumo, 2011. "Working Paper 130 - Growth and Macroeconomic Convergence in Southern Africa," Working Paper Series 314, African Development Bank.

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