The resource curse in least developed countries: The roles of foreign direct investment, energy efficiency, and electricity access

Abstract

Extensive research exists on the link between natural resource rents and GDP growth, yet the roles of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and energy efficiency are less studied. As such, this study aims to bridge this research gap by investigating the relationship among natural resource rents, FDI, and GDP growth in the context of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). In addition, the potential influences of energy efficiency and electricity access are considered. Using time-series methodologies like the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root test with structural breaks, Bayer-Hanck Cointegration, and regression methods such as FMOLS, DOLS, and CCR, the study explores the defined variables. Robustness checks are conducted using Robust and Simple Least Squares without breaks. The results reveal that most variables, barring mineral rents and long-run cointegration between growth and explanatory variables, are stationary at first difference D(1). Findings show that LDCs are susceptible to the resource curse, with forest and mineral rents and FDI negatively impacting economic growth. However, enhanced energy efficiency and electricity access can foster sustained growth in LDCs. The robustness check results corroborate the primary findings. The study concludes by proposing policy recommendations for sustainable resource use, regulation of FDI, and improving energy efficiency and electricity access.