Finance, Institutions, and Private Investment in Africa

Abstract

AbstractThis article extends the debate on finance versus institutions and measurement of property rights institutions (PRI). We assess the relationships between various components of PRI and private investment, notably: political, economic, and institutional governances. Comparative concurrent relationships of financial dynamics of depth, efficiency, activity, and size are also investigated. The findings provide support for the quality of institutions as a better positive correlate of private investment than financial intermediary development. The interaction of finance and governance is not significant in potentially promoting private investment, perhaps due to substantially documented surplus liquidity issues in African financial institutions. The empirical evidence is based on 53 African countries for the period 1996‐2010. Policy measures are discussed for reducing financial deposits, increasing financial activity, and hence, improving financial efficiency.Related ArticlesAideyan, Osaore. 2016. “Political and Institutional Prerequisites for Monetary Union: Assessing Progress in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).” Politics & Policy 44 (6): 1192‐1212. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12183Asongu, Simplice A., and Joseph Nnanna. 2019. “Foreign aid, Instability, and Governance in Africa.” Politics & Policy 47 (4): 807‐848. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12320Scarlato, Margherita, and Giorgio d'Agostino. 2019. “The Political Dimension of Cash Transfers in Latin America and Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Comparative Perspective.” Politics & Policy 47 (6): 1125‐1155. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12332