Gender spillovers in foreign direct investments: An analysis of Namibia

Abstract

We estimate FDI spillovers through the gender channel, as an additional measure to the total labour channel. This enables us to explicitly distinguish the role of females in labour spillovers. In addition, we provide an enhanced understanding of the distinction between spillovers in the manufacturing and services sectors. Using data from Namibia, our reported results show that spillovers through the female labour channel tend to be stronger than the total labour channel. The findings also provide evidence of strong spillovers through the exporting channel, innovation channels and backward linkages for the manufacturing sector. For the services sector, spillovers are strongest through technology innovation channel and forward linkages. The findings suggest an array of policy implications, including strengthening investment in female labour, investment climate and enterprise development initiatives.