The determinants of public expenditure and expenditure on education in particular in a selection of African countries

Abstract

This study reports on research aimed at measuring the drivers behind public expenditure with specific reference to education expenditure in Africa. The empirical estimations are carried out using a public choice model on a panel of 15 selected African countries over the period 1995-2004. The results show that government expenditure on education is resilient to shocks and the education sector is not seriously affected by allocative changes that favour corruption. Expenditure on education in the countries included in the study generally complies with the guidelines set by the IMF in terms of their fiscal adjustment programs.