Effects of Corruption and the Black Economy on Economic Growth in the CFA Franc Zone Countries

We conducted this study to empirically analyse the effects of corruption and the underground economy on economic growth in the case of the CFA franc zone countries over the period 2000-2016. To do so, we have carried out econometric estimations using panel data. Our empirical results obtained by the PMG (Pooled Mean Group) method confirm a negative relationship between economic growth and the underground economy in the short and long term. However, the long-run effect of corruption on economic growth is positive, while this effect becomes negative in the short run. The results could provide insight into different ways of fighting corruption and the shadow economy.

The Effect of Private Investment on Public Expenditure in the CFA Franc Zone

This paper investigates the effect of private investment on public expenditure in the CFA franc zone during the period 1980-2015. To attain this objective, the methodology adopted is the system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). The result shows a positive and significant effect of private investment on public expenditure. This result thus justifies that private investment is an important source of increase in public expenditure. This result implies that public policies for improving private investment should be promoted: improving the business climate, improving the quality of institutions, ameliorate political environment, fight against terrorism ravaging part of Africa including Mali.

The Effect of Private Investment on Real Interest Rate in CFA Franc Zone

This paper investigates the effect of private investment on real interest rate in CFA franc zone during the period 1980-2015. To attain this objective, the methodology adopted is the system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). The result shows a negative and significant effect of private investment on real interest rate. In view of the result obtained, we suggest that African countries in the franc zone should vigorously pursue the establishment of favorable conditions for the development of private sector. Public policies for improving private investment should be promoted: improving the business climate, ameliorate political environment, fight against terrorism ravaging part of Africa including Mali.

Asymmetry in Exchange Rate Pass-Through to Consumer Prices: New Perspective from Sub-Saharan African Countries

This paper examines the asymmetrical relationship between exchange rate and consumer prices in 40 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries from 1990Q1 to 2017Q4. We estimate the exchange rate pass-through (ERPT) to consumer prices for each country by using the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) framework and dynamic panel techniques robust to cross-sectional dependence. First, our findings suggest an asymmetrical ERPT in the SSA region during the short term, whereas there are mixed results across subregions in the long term. Second, the results of the panel analysis suggest incomplete and significant ERPT to consumer prices in the entire SSA region, which is higher during depreciation of the local currency than after appreciation in the short-term, especially in the CFA Franc zone. Third, we find nonlinear ERPT with respect to the size of the exchange rate. Finally, we find that pass-through is higher in countries with fixed exchange rate regimes (CFA franc zone) in a low inflationary environment than in countries with floating exchange rate regimes and high inflation levels. Pass-through is greater during large exchange rate changes than after small changes. Therefore, the policy implication is to consider these asymmetries and nonlinearities to improve monetary policy’s credibility, enhance trade liberalization, and promote competitive market structures in the SSA region.