Impact of Population Growth on Economic Growth in Africa: A Dynamic Panel Data Approach (1980 -2015)

Abstract

This study examines the impact of population growth on the economic growth of African countries using panel data approach from 1980 -2015. The impact of population growth on economic growth is still largely controversial at national and regional levels. The study used annual secondary data of fifty three (53) African countries sourced from the World Development Indicators database. Data were collected for economic growth, proxied by GDP, population growth, fertility rate, crude death rate and inflation rate. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, as well as dynamic panel models of difference and system GMM. The results of the difference and system GMM suggest that population growth exerts a positive impact on economic growth of Africa while fertility has a negative impact on economic growth of Africa. The paper concludes and recommends that population growth impacts positively on economic growth and thus African countries should adopt and implement pragmatic policy measures that will enhance the productivity of its population so as to reap more demographic dividends.