Modelling Total Factor Productivity in a Developing Economy

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Abstract Total factor productivity is an important driver of economic growth. It is therefore important to understand its determinants. This will help to enhance it and accelerate economic growth. The objective of this paper is therefore to investigate drivers of total factor productivity in Angola. The investigation covers the period 1995 – 2018. It is conducted for selected sectors of the economy. The results show that foreign direct investment has a positive effect on total factor productivity in all sectors. Increase in openness of the economy and depreciation the exchange rate have a positive effect on total factor productivity in the manufacturing sector. However, an increase in these two variables is associated with a decrease in total factor productivity of the primary and service sectors. The results indicate that a rise in inflation is associated with a decrease in total factor productivity in the manufacturing and service sectors. However, an increase in inflation is positively associated with an increase in total factor productivity in the primary sector. Increase in official development assistance impact negatively on total factor productivity in the primary and service sectors. This variable has a positive effect on total factor productivity of the manufacturing sector. The implication of these results is that Angola should pursue policies that attract foreign direct investment in order to ensure sustainable total factor productivity growth. The impact of other drivers such as openness of the economy, inflation, official development assistance and exchange rate depends on sectors. This implies that it is important for Angola to implement policies, which are specific to sectors. This will help to enhance the growth of total factor productivity.