Dynamics of population, urban agglomeration, and economic growths in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Evidence from panel data

Abstract

This study analyses population, urban agglomeration (UAG), and economic growths dynamics in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) using the World Bank panel data ranging from 1970 to 2019. The study utilized a panel fixed effect (FE) model after verifying the suitability of the model using a Hausman test. The estimation result from the panel FE model reveals remarkable findings which conform to some extent, the theoretical a priori expectations. The result shows that growth in rural as well as urban population growth and total trade (TRD) have negative relationships with UAG. On the other hand, gross domestic product (GDP, a better proxy for income) and foreign direct investment (FDI) have a positive association with UAG in the economies of SSA thereby validating the existence of the Williamson–Kuznets hypothesis. Based on the findings, it is advised amongst other policy recommendations that the governments of the Sub‐Saharan African countries should pursue inward‐looking policies targeted toward encouraging the local processing of agricultural raw materials—possibly to finished products to boost foreign exchange earnings through trade in other to engender sustainability in both the economic growth and UAG in the region.

The Long-Run Relationship Between Renewable Energy Consumption, Non-Renewable Energy Consumption, Population, and Economic Growth in G20 Countries

“…In contrast to the overall population, it is observed that the urban population exerts a noteworthy and adverse influence on the economic growth of G20 nations. One plausible hypothesis for the adverse effects of urban population on GDP growth is the insufficient alignment between the growth rate of the urban population and the corresponding expansion in production and food supply, as well as the accessibility of fundamental necessities such as clean water, food, healthcare, and educational facilities [65].…”

“…This phenomenon might lead to a rise in prices and a decrease in savings. The limited availability of savings and investment impedes the promotion of economic development [65].…”

The Energy Mix Dilemma and Environmental Sustainability: Interaction among Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Nuclear Energy, Urban Agglomeration, and Economic Growth

“…Ahrend et al [56] also proved a positive relationship between urban agglomeration and economic growth for OECD regions. Asowga et al [57] found a positive association between urban agglomeration and economic growth for a panel of sub-Saharan African countries during 1970-2019. Jayasooriya [58] also demonstrated a positive association between urban agglomeration and economic growth for regions in China using a GMM method during 2004-2015.…”

Study on the Spatial Structure of the Complex Network of Population Migration in the Poyang Lake Urban Agglomeration

“…Spatio-temporal patterns of urban growth are examined and compared with the assumptions of urbanization models (diffusion-agglomeration and three growth patterns). This is achieved through the analysis of time-series neighborhoodlevel built-up area densities, aiming to identify two broad spatial scales of cities [15]. Economic agglomeration is assessed via spatial econometric modeling, evaluating the economic and technological indicators of urban agglomeration [16].…”