Convergence Triggers in Africa: Evidence from Convergence Clubs and Panel Models

Garang A. P. M., Erkekoğlu H.

SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS, cilt.89, sa.2, ss.218-245, 2021 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 89 Sayı: 2
  • Basım Tarihi: 2021
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1111/saje.12282
  • Dergi Adı: SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, Periodicals Index Online, ABI/INFORM, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, CAB Abstracts, EconLit, Geobase, PAIS International, Public Affairs Index, vLex
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.218-245
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Convergence clubs, drivers of convergence, log t regression, economic growth, institutions
  • Kayseri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This paper investigates the formation of convergence clubs and examines the drivers of growth convergence in Africa by accounting for individual heterogenous effects and establishing transitional paths. We particularly employ the sophisticated log t test to identify underlying convergence clubs and use LSDVC as a benchmark model for analysing the drivers of convergence. We also apply the System Generalized method of moments (GMM) model for sensitivity purposes. Our results reveal four core convergence clubs; seemingly characterised by the measures of institutional stability with distinct transitional paths. We consequently highlight the importance of initial conditions, human capital and institutions in the formation of convergence clubs. Thus, the paper provides insights into the adoption of differentiated development policies consistent with the specific conditions of African countries with the integration agenda driven by accelerated levels of human capital development and technological progress.