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Do African manufacturing firms learn from exporting?

Author

Listed:
  • Arne Bigsten

    (Goteborg University)

  • Paul Collier

    (CSAE, Oxford University)

  • Stefan Dercon

    (CSAE, Oxford University)

  • Marcel Fachamps

    (CSAE, Oxford University)

  • Bernard Gauthier

    (Free University, Amsterdam)

  • Jan Willem Gunning

    (Free University, Amsterdam)

  • Abena Oduro

    (University of Ghana, Legon)

  • Remco Oostendorp

    (Free University, Amsterdam)

  • Catherine Pattillo

    (Research Department IMF)

  • Mans Soderbom

    (CSAE, University of Oxford)

  • Francis Teal

    (CSAE, University of Oxford)

  • Albert Zeufack

    (The World Bank)

Abstract

In this paper, we use firm-level panel data for the manufacturing sector in four African countries to estimate the effect of exporting on efficiency. Estimating simultaneously a production function and an export regression that control for unobserved firm effects, we find both significant efficiency gains from exporting, supporting the learning- byexporting hypothesis, and evidence for self-selection of more efficient firms into exporting. The evidence of learning-by-exporting suggests that Africa has much to gain from orientating its manufacturing sector towards exporting.

Suggested Citation

  • Arne Bigsten & Paul Collier & Stefan Dercon & Marcel Fachamps & Bernard Gauthier & Jan Willem Gunning & Abena Oduro & Remco Oostendorp & Catherine Pattillo & Mans Soderbom & Francis Teal & Albert Zeuf, 2004. "Do African manufacturing firms learn from exporting?," Development and Comp Systems 0409071, University Library of Munich, Germany.
  • Handle: RePEc:wpa:wuwpdc:0409071
    Note: Type of Document - pdf; pages: 33
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    JEL classification:

    • O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth
    • P - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems

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