Is FDI from China Goodfor Labour Productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa? A Panel Cointegration

Abstract

China’s political and economic engagement in Africa has increased over the last two decades, resulting in a significant increase in Chinese foreign direct investment (CFDI) into the region. In this study, the link between CFDI and the productivity of labour is investigated in 22 sub-Saharan African countries from 2003 to 2020. The study utilised panel cointegration techniques that are suitable in the absence of cross-sectional dependence and take stationarity and long-run relationships into consideration. The findings from the panel dynamic ordinary least squares (OLS) and the fully modified OLS revealed that CFDI is important for driving labour productivity in the long run. In the short run, however, the study finds no significant influence of CFDI on labour productivity. Further findings reveal that CFDI Granger causes labour productivity. Additionally, the study finds that capital per labour is a necessity for boosting the productivity of labour in the region. The study recommends that African countries strengthen investment promotion agencies that actively facilitate CFDI and also negotiate favourable trade and investment agreements with China that promote technology transfer and skills development. JEL Codes: C23, F21, J24