Can women's literacy and education spending serve as robust pillars of development in Madagascar?

The economic inclusion of women constitutes a pivotal catalyst for sustainable development. In Madagascar, notwithstanding women’s substantial engagement in economic activities, persistent disparities in access to education, formal employment, and productive resources continue to constrain the full realization of female human capital. Employing an econometric framework spanning the period 1990 to 2023, this study quantifies the influence of female literacy rates and educational expenditures on per capita GDP. The findings indicate that a one-percentage-point increase in female literacy corresponds, on average, to an augmentation of approximately 7.9 USD in per capita GDP. These results underscore the statistically significant and positive role of women’s education in fostering economic growth. However, a paradox remains evident: despite considerable female economic participation, their skills remain markedly underutilized. Accordingly, the study advocates for nuanced policy interventions centered on enhancing girls’ education, promoting the formalization of women’s labor, and expanding financial inclusion to unlock and sustain this latent developmental potential