This paper employs the system generalized method of moments to examine the diversity of economic growth in 33 resource-rich and resource-poor countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) over the period 1996-2017. The last decade has witnessed resource-poor countries such as Rwanda and Ethiopia sustain impressive economic growth while resource-rich countries such as Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to struggle. On the other hand, non-oil resource-rich countries such as Botswana and Namibia record steady economic growth rates. Are resource-rich countries better off? Or is there sufficient evidence in support of the resource curse phenomenon in SSA? We examine the resource curse hypothesis and the effects of political and institutional variables in explaining economic growth in SSA. We find that resource-rich countries grow at an annual average of 1.3% more than resourcepoor countries. Furthermore, we find strong complementarity between institutional quality and economic growth in resource-rich countries; a stable democracy, political stability, and periodic rotation of political power are critical prerequisites in sustaining economic growth in resource-rich countries in SSA. Overall, the findings suggest weak evidence in support of the resource curse phenomenon in SSA. 1 | INTRODUCTION Recent developments in macroeconomics and progressive empirical research on the causes of medium-to long-term economic growth stress the increasing recognition and influence of non-economic factors in explaining the dynamics and observed heterogeneity in crosscountry growth studies (Clark & Juma, 2013; Sala-i-Martin, Doppelhofer, & Miller, 2004). Non-economic factors are growth-endogenous, and vary significantly across countries and generate the context-specific characteristics of economic growth and development. Furthermore, the failure of growth models and policies that were hitherto successful in other emerging economies on the continent of Africa lend credence to the endogeneity of economic growth (Comaroff & Comaroff, 2015).

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the role of economic integration and natural resources and foreign direct investment (FDI) complementarity in explaining economic growth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).Design/methodology/approachThe study employed the ordinary least square-random effects and the generalized two-stage least square instrumental variables (IV) regression to examine the relationship between the variables.FindingsThe authors find that regional economic integration and natural resource abundance are essential for promoting economic growth. The results further show a potential resource curse phenomenon, offset by the complementary effect of FDI in resource-rich countries. The findings are robust after conditioning for different measures of institutional quality.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest the need for deeper regional trade integration and international cooperation, prudent natural resource management and concerted effort toward economic diversification.Originality/valueMany studies have examined the determinants of economic growth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). However, these studies did not incorporate or assess the potential of economic integration in the region. Moreover, studies that examined the growth effects of FDI did not assess the complementary role of the region's natural resource endowment which potentially drives FDI inflows. This study fills these gaps and provides a robust analysis of economic growth drivers in the region.

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The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) achieved an average growth rate of 5.1% between 2005 and 2014. However, economic growth in the region plunged from 6.5% recorded in 2014 down to 6.0% in 2015 and reduced drastically to 3.5% in 2016. This study employs the generalized two-stage least square instrumental variables regression to examine growth catalysts and the challenges and prospects of sustaining economic growth. The empirical results suggest that external resources significantly promote economic growth and pose a significant threat to growth sustainability, given the uncertainty and globally declining trend in external resource inflows to Africa. Furthermore, the domestic savings rate was found to contribute significantly to economic growth, indicating that the sustainability of economic growth will require a deliberate effort to mobilize domestic resources. Finally, the study established that, while participation in the COMESA trading bloc by member-countries does not significantly impact the region, the joint participation of some COMESA members in both COMESA and Southern African Development Community (SADC) trading blocs has a detrimental effect on economic growth in the region.

HIV/AIDS and child malnutrition are pervasive in eastern and southern Africa. This paper employs crosscountry panel data on 20 countries from 1991 to 2017 to explore the macro-level relationship between HIV/AIDS and child malnutrition. Using instrumental variables (IV) regression, we find that HIV/ AIDS is a robust predictor of long-term and chronic malnutrition. Conditional on various controls, the results demonstrate a positive empirical association between HIV/AIDS and stunting. Moreover, increased access to improved water, female education, and food availability are critical for reducing stunting. These findings underscore the need for an integrated national policy on nutrition and HIV/AIDS and intersectoral collaboration between government agencies responsible for managing nutrition and HIV/AIDS programs. How to cite this article: Adika, G. HIV/AIDS and child malnutrition in eastern and southern Africa.