ICT development and economic growth: Are southeast African countries doing enough to leverage on ICT?
Date
2021
Authors
Amusudzu, Luvindi Mwingisi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
ICT is fast growing across continents and has brought about aspects of economic
growth within countries, particularly developed countries. Over the years, productivity
has noticeably increased with businesses and governments having easy access to
global markets, hence improved trade openness. In this study, we analyze the state of
ICT in Southeast African countries to understand whether ICT has been underutilized
or to whether they are leveraging the use of it. From literature, Solow (1956) and Swan
(1956) have argued that absence of technology innovation leads to economic
stagnation that leads to high unemployment. In this study, we analyze ICT and its
impact on unemployment as well as human capital in Southeast Africa. Also, the study
analyzes consumption expenditure, trade and inflation and their relationship with ICT
while alluding that they could be potential growth enhancing factors ofiCT. The study
proposes to use a two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation
technique while drawing its theoretical underpinnings from the neo-classical growth
model.
Description
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Business Science in Financial Economics