How important is mobile telephony for economic growth? Evidence from MENA countries

Info ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 58-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saibal Ghosh
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Simultaneous Equation ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Mobile Telephony ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mena Countries ◽  
Cent Increase ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The explosion of mobile telephony in recent times has led to the emergence of a significant volume of literature. One area that has been relatively under-researched has been the role of mobile telephony in impacting economic growth and the relevance of financial inclusion in this respect. Using data on MENA countries during 2001-2012, this paper aims to examine this issue within an empirical framework. Design/methodology/approach The analysis is based on longitudinal data for the period 2001-2012 and examines the interrelationships among per capita income, financial inclusion and mobile telephony. To take on board this interrelationship, the authors use a simultaneous equation model. In contrast to the ordinary least squares, 3SLS exploits the information that the disturbance terms in the two structural terms are contemporaneously correlated, thereby producing consistent estimates. Findings The analysis suggests a significant relationship among these variables. In particular, a 1 per cent increase in the fraction of population using mobile telephony improves incomes by roughly 0.3 per cent points, whereas a similar 1 per cent increase in financial inclusion has double the impact on income. The findings also support a convex, non-linear relationship between income and cellular penetration. Robustness tests lend credence to these findings. Originality/value Although there are several studies on mobile telephony and growth, this paper provides a completely original contribution in the area of financial inclusion, linking the development of access to mobile communication to new channels for the unbanked population in the Arab economies.

Remittances, Economic Growth and Poverty: A Case of African OIC Member Countries

2018 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-143
Author(s):  
Nasim Shah Shirazi ◽  
Sajid Amin Javed ◽  
Dawood Ashraf
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Financial Development ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Simultaneous Equation ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Annual Data ◽  
Simultaneous Equation Model ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Alternative Source ◽  
The Impact

This paper investigates the impact of remittance inflows on economic growth and poverty reduction for seven African countries using annual data from 1992-2010. By using the depth of hunger as a proxy for poverty in a Simultaneous Equation Model (SEM), we find that remittances have statistically significant growth enhancing and poverty reducing impact. Drawing on our estimates, we conclude that financial development level significantly increases the remittances inflows and strengthens poverty alleviating impact of remittances. Results of our study further show a signficant interactive imapct of remittances and finacial develpment on economic growth, suggesting the substitutability between remittance inflows and financial development. We further find that 3 percentage point increase in credit provision to the private sector (financial development) can help eliminate the severe depth of hunger in the region. Remittances, serving an alternative source of private credit, can be effective in this regard. Keywords: Remittance Inflow, Poverty Alleviation, Financial Development, Simultaneous Equation Model

scholarly journals The human capital–economic growth nexus in SSA countries: what can strengthen the relationship?

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (9) ◽  
pp. 1143-1159
Author(s):  
Roseline Tapuwa Karambakuwa ◽  
Ronney Ncwadi ◽  
Andrew Phiri
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Econometric Approach ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Ssa Countries

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the impact of human capital on economic growth for a selected sample of nine SSA countries between 1980 and 2014 using a panel econometric approach.Design/methodology/approachThe authors estimate a log-linearized endogenous using the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and the dynamic ordinary least squares (POLS) applied to our panel data time series.FindingsThe empirical analysis shows an insignificant effect of human capital on economic growth for our selected sample. These findings remain unchanged even after adding interactive terms to human capital, which are representatives of government spending as well as foreign direct investment. Nevertheless, the authors establish a positive and significant effect of the interactive term between urbanization and human capital on economic growth.Practical implicationsThe results emphasize the need for African policymakers to develop urbanized, “smart”, technologically driven cities within the SSA region as a platform toward strengthening the impact of human capital-economic growth relationship.Originality/valueThis study becomes the first in the literature to validate the human capital–urbanization–growth relationship for African countries.

scholarly journals Oil price fluctuations and economic growth: the case of MENA countries

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mamdouh Abdelmoula Mohamed Abdelsalam
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Oil Prices ◽  
Oil Price ◽  
Price Changes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Price Fluctuations ◽  
Mena Countries ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to explore the extreme effect of crude oil price fluctuations and its volatility on the economic growth of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. It also investigates the asymmetric and dynamic relationship between oil price and economic growth. Further, a separate analysis for each MENA oil-export and oil-import countries is conducted. Furthermore, it studies to what extent the quality of institutions will change the effect of oil price fluctuations on economic growth. Design/methodology/approach As the effect of oil price fluctuations is not the same over different business cycles or oil price levels, the paper uses a panel quantile regression approach with other linear models such as fixed effects, random effects and panel generalized method of moments. The panel quantile methodology is an extension of traditional linear models and it has the advantage of exploring the relationship over the different quantiles of the whole distribution. Findings The paper can summarize results as following: changes in oil price and its volatility have an opposite effect for each oil-export and oil-import countries; for the former, changes in oil prices have a positive impact but the volatility a negative effect. While for the latter, changes in oil prices have a negative effect but volatility a positive effect. Further, the impact of oil price changes and their uncertainty are different across different quantiles. Furthermore, there is evidence about the asymmetric effect of the oil price changes on economic growth. Finally, accounting for institutional quality led to a reduction in the impact of oil price changes on economic growth. Originality/value The study concludes more detailed results on the impact of oil prices on gross domestic product growth. Thus, it can be used as a decision-support tool for policymakers.

Social organization and its impact on economic growth in China

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 126-143
Author(s):  
Yidan Chen ◽  
Lanying Sun
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Social Organization ◽  
Growth Model ◽  
Capital Investment ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Economic Growth Model ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the direct and indirect impacts of social organization in promoting Chinese economic growth. It adopts empirical research to test the correlated hypotheses, and tries to put forward some policy suggestions. Design/methodology/approach Social organizations are measured by four indicators in this paper. It proposes five hypotheses about the impact of social organization on economic growth and builds an economic growth model including social organization. The ordinary least squares and stepwise regression methods are conducted to estimate the economic growth model with the data from 1999 to 2015. Findings Through the empirical analysis, it finds that the added value of social organization, human capital, investment and government budget expenditure affect economic growth significantly. The number of social organization at the end of each year has a positive significant effect on entrepreneurship, while the added value and growth rate of it have a negative effect on it. The numbers of social organization and full-time employee have significant effect on number to workers in the labor force. Only the number of social organization has positive significant effect on public education. Originality/value This paper conducts an empirical study on the impact of social organization on economic growth in China and fills a gap of the role of social organization on the economy in developing countries. The results provide referenced information for public policy-making.

Impact of financial inclusion on technical efficiency of paddy farmers in Bangladesh

2017 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 484-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Afrin ◽  
Mohammed Ziaul Haider ◽  
Md. Sariful Islam
Keyword(s):  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Stochastic Production Frontier ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Southwest Region ◽  
Stochastic Production ◽  
Paddy Farmers ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of financial inclusion on the enhancement of paddy farmers’ technical efficiency (TE). The impact was evaluated rigorously from different dimensions which could be useful in the policy discussion for enhancing efficiency in utilizing productive resources. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional data of randomly selected 120 paddy farmers from Khulna district in the Southwest region of Bangladesh were collected for this study. Initially, a stochastic production frontier approach was used for estimating farmers’ TE. Thereafter, ordinary least squares and quantile regression models were applied for unveiling the existing relationship between TE and various dimensions of financial inclusion after controlling all other socio-economic characteristics. Findings The study findings revealed that farmers were around 86 percent technically efficient and amongst them, credit takers were more efficient than non-credit takers. A non-monotonic relationship between TE and amount of credit was observed where TE was maximized at amount around 20,000 Bangladeshi Taka (USD255), a medium credit in terms of its amount. In addition, credit literacy was identified as a significant factor for improving TE. Though difference in the choice of sources for accessing credit had little impact on mean TE, its effect was found significantly higher for low scored technically efficient farmers compared to high scored farmers. Practical implications The policy toward widening the coverage of financial inclusion would be more effective than providing larger amount of credit to a limited number of farmers for improving their TE. Originality/value Such an in-depth assessment of the impact of financial inclusion on TE is probably the first effort in the Khulna district of Bangladesh.

Does the board diversity impact bank performance in the MENA countries? A multilevel study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Issa ◽  
Hesham Yousef ◽  
Ahmed Bakry ◽  
Jalal Rajeh Hanaysha ◽  
Ahmad Sahyouni
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Generalized Method Of Moments ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Bank Performance ◽  
Board Diversity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mena Countries ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of board diversity (e.g. nationality, gender and educational level) on financial performance for a sample of banks listed in 11 countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses the system generalized method of moments estimation approach on the data of banks listed in the MENA countries over the period 2011–2018 to investigate the relationship between board diversity and financial performance. Also, the findings are supported by additional robustness tests, including ordinary least squares, fixed and random effect techniques. Findings The empirical results show that there is a significant relationship between board diversity and financial performance in banks. Specifically, the findings demonstrate that board diversity related to nationality has a significant positive impact on bank performance. The findings also show an insignificant association between gender and educational level diversity and bank performance. The robustness analysis supports the findings of the baseline model. Practical implications The study provides multi-country evidence on the importance of board diversity in the MENA region and it sheds light on possible tracks for future reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the board’s functions. Originality/value This paper extends the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the association between board diversity and financial performance of banks in the MENA countries. This paper also provides preliminary evidence on the importance of board diversity to influence financial performance.

Understanding the link between government cashless policy, digital financial services and socio-demographic characteristics in the MENA countries

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amari Mouna ◽  
Anis Jarboui
Keyword(s):  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Mena Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mena Countries ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

PurposeTo help inform the debate over whether socio-demographic characteristics are related to the use of digital technologies, the authors investigated the effects of age, gender, education, income and being in the workforce on changes in using financial digital services using panel data collected in the MENA countries during 2017.Design/methodology/approachThis study aims to identify the impact of government policy on the determinants of financial inclusion and digital payment services in the MENA region. The authors use microdata from the 2017 Global Findex database on MENA countries to perform probit estimations. The paper focuses on the role of technology adoption by government authorities in extending financial inclusion and digital payment around different people.FindingsThe authors find that poorer people (and, by association, less educated people) and the young (but less so the elderly) are disproportionately excluded from the financial system. Results confirm that better collaboration between the government and the financial sector can help to develop digital financial inclusion through the technology adoption channels. The study confirms the significant impact of the government cashless policy in advancing financial inclusion in the MENA countries, with potentially wider applicability to other developed economies.Practical implicationsPolicies to advance mobile money innovations could stimulate financial inclusion by promoting digital transaction services. The role of government authorities is imperative to harness the beneficial and sustainable gains from digitizing remittances and transfers to promote a cashless economy.Originality/valueFinancial inclusion promotes equality through a broadening of the system and government cashless policy can be a major catalyst for greater financial inclusion. It helps in the overall economic development of the underprivileged population and contributes to poverty reduction.

Political instability and its impact on economic growth: the case of Jordan

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 366-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malak Samih Abu Murad ◽  
Nooh Alshyab
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Political Instability ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Small Country ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Least Squares Approach

Purpose Political instability may have far-reaching implications for economic performance. This paper aims to analyze the impact of political instability on economic growth by focusing on the case of Jordan, a small country located in the Middle East, which represents a highly political instable region. Design/methodology/approach The analysis is performed by regressing different indicators for internal and external political instability on economic growth for the period from 1980 to 2015 using the fully modified ordinary least squares approach. Findings The results point at a significant impact of political instability on the economic growth of the country in all the specifications considered; in particular, the analysis reveals a positive impact of external political instability indexed by border countries’ political instability and a negative impact of internal political instability, as proxied by the number of crimes and cabinet changes. Further, regarding the effect of the level of freedom, the authors find evidence for the so-called conflict perspective. Originality/value This paper is original and relevant for two main reasons. First, it adds to the debate on the effects of political instability on economic growth, and hereby, disentangles the effects of internal and external political instability. Second, it makes an important contribution by focusing on the case of Jordan, which has received little attention in the literature on political instability so far, even though political instability is a constant threat to the country.

Banking concentration and financial development in the MENA region

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 675-689
Author(s):  
Hassan Hamadi ◽  
Ali Awdeh
Keyword(s):  
Market Power ◽  
Financial Development ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Mena Region ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mena Countries ◽  
Banking Concentration ◽  
Rapid Pace ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Bank consolidations in many Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries have been proceeding at a rapid pace, leading to a decline in the number of banks and an increase in market concentration. This may raise concerns regarding the impact of such increase in concentration on the behaviour of banks and consequently on the financial development. Therefore, this study aims to examine the impact of concentration on the financial development of MENA region. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts fully modified ordinary least squares model on a heterogeneous, non-stationary, cointegrated panel data set. The exploited panel is formed of 15 MENA countries and covers the period 1996–2014. Findings The empirical results show that concentration per se is not harmful for financial development. Nevertheless, concentration combined with bank market power may deteriorate the development of MENA financial systems. Originality/value In addition to considering an understudied region, the research presents very important findings, which suggest that if banks obtain market power, an increase in concentration following a wave of bank mergers, could weaken the financial development.

Impact of Islamic banking share on financial inclusion: evidence from MENA

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 655-673
Author(s):  
Duha Farouq Khmous ◽  
Mustafa Besim
Keyword(s):  
Banking Sector ◽  
Estimation Method ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Islamic Banking ◽  
Mena Region ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mena Countries ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This study aims to investigate how the Islamic banking share (percentage of total Islamic banking assets relative to total banking sector assets) and individual characteristics (gender, age, income and education) affect financial inclusion in 14 Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries with different income levels. Design/methodology/approach This study uses data from the 2014 World Bank Global Findex database to analyze the impact of individual characteristics, Islamic banking share and countries’ developmental levels on financial inclusion and its barriers in MENA countries. The probit estimation method is used for estimations. Findings The findings indicate that financial inclusion, particularly in middle-income MENA countries, is lower than the global average. While being male, rich and older positively affects financial inclusion in these countries, education does not. Islamic banking practises also contribute to financial inclusion, especially for individuals with strong religious affiliations. The effect of Islamic banking on financial inclusion is found to be greater in middle-income MENA countries. Practical implications Islamic banking institutions could play a greater role in promoting financial inclusion in the MENA region by offering Sharia-compliant products that meet individuals’ needs, matching the specific requirements and status of each country with affordable costs and offering adequate information to customers. Governments should promote more Islamic banking and incentivise investments in technology, which helps expand financial inclusion. Originality/value This is the first study to examine the influence of Islamic banking share and countries’ levels of development on financial inclusion in the MENA region.

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