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A role for universal pension? : Simulating universal pensions in Ecuador, Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa

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  • Pia Rattenhuber
  • Maria Jouste

Abstract

We use four novel, cross-country comparable tax-benefit microsimulation models for Ecuador, Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa to evaluate ex ante the expansion of a universal old-age pension in a static setting. Universal pensions would significantly reduce poverty and inequality in settings in which no means-tested old-age pensions exist (such as Ghana and Tanzania).

Suggested Citation

  • Pia Rattenhuber & Maria Jouste, 2018. "A role for universal pension? : Simulating universal pensions in Ecuador, Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2018-23, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2018-23
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Cruz-Martinez, Gibran, 2021. "Universal Social Pensions Are Unaffordable … Not! Testing the Unaffordability Hypothesis in Latin America and the Caribbean," SocArXiv ne9rw, Center for Open Science.
    3. Adu-Ababio, Kwabena, 2024. "Microsimulation approaches to studying shocks and social protection in selected developing economies," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 1552-1576.
    4. Asiya Maskaeva & Zanda Bochkaeva & Joel Mmasa & Mgeni Msafiri, 2022. "The impact of indirect tax on income distribution and poverty in Tanzania," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 93(1), pages 103-128, March.
    5. Asiya Maskaeva & Zanda Bochkaeva & Joel Mmasa & Mgeni Msafiri & Eric Iramba, 2019. "Microsimulation analysis of the impact of indirect tax benefits on income distribution and poverty alleviation in Tanzania: An application of TAZMOD," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2019-16, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).

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