Work

Does democracy enhance economic growth?: the case of Anglophone West Africa

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This article investigates the relationship between democracy and economic growth in five Anglophone West African countries using annual data from 1970 to 2014 and dynamic panel data estimation techniques which control for endogeneity, heteroscedasticity and spatial effects. The findings for the full sample estimation show a negative relationship between democracy and economic growth, however country specific differences apply. Consistent with the sceptical view we conclude that several other factors influence the ability of countries to grow, besides which political regime is in place. These factors among others are capital investments, human capital development, a productive labour force and technological progress.

Source: Human Science Research Council SA

DOI: 10.14749/32383671

Author: Human Sciences Research Council

Language: English

Topic: Corruption and Economic Development

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

Funder: Human Sciences Research Council

OpenAlex ID: W7162201114

FWCI:

Cites:

Cited by:

Related to: