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Urbanization and Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa

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  • Cham, Awa

Abstract

There is a lack of consensus on how urbanization contributes to economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using a panel data of sub-Saharan African countries spanning the years 2012 - 2019, we estimate a two-way fixed effects model, and our results indicate a positive relationship between Urbanization and Economic Development. Furthermore, we also find that this effect is amplified by existing levels of basic education, contribution of the services sector to GDP, and measures of institutional quality. Our results hence provide directions for development policy in this region.

Suggested Citation

  • Cham, Awa, 2025. "Urbanization and Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa," MPRA Paper 127391, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:127391
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Martin, Philippe & Ottaviano, Gianmarco I P, 2001. "Growth and Agglomeration," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 42(4), pages 947-968, November.
    4. Bertinelli, Luisito & Black, Duncan, 2004. "Urbanization and growth," Journal of Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 56(1), pages 80-96, July.
    5. Luisito Bertinelli & Benteng Zou, 2008. "Does Urbanization Foster Human Capital Accumulation?," Journal of Developing Areas, Tennessee State University, College of Business, vol. 41(2), pages 171-184, January-M.
    6. N. Gregory Mankiw & David Romer & David N. Weil, 1992. "A Contribution to the Empirics of Economic Growth," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 107(2), pages 407-437.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General

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