Public Debt and Economic Growth in Sub-saharan African Countries: A Panel Data Analysis

Most studies made on the effect of public debt on economic growth especially in high or middle-income economies separately or in both argues that debt has positive effect at early stage and then negative after some threshold beyond which it deteriorate economy (Laffer curve effect). In less developed countries like sub Saharan African (SSA) countries public debt is considered as a potential remedy to finance budget deficit. However, its role in economic growth is debatable over a long period. This depends on the way they utilize and inject it in the economy. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the impact of public debt on economic growth (real per-capita GDP) using panel data of 13 years (2005-2018) in 18 sub–Saharan African countries. The two-step system Generalized Method of Moment (2SSYS-GMM) method is employed and considering the two-way linkage between the two variables simultaneous equation model of two equations is used to identify the effect of public debt on economic growth. The results indicate that a negative and statistically significant bidirectional relationship between public debt and economic growth of the SSA countries considered in the panel. However, it doesn’t justify the Laffer curve (non-linear) effect of debt on economic growth. The result also shows that gross national saving, export and broad money has significantly positive effect on economic growth. Thus, the study recommends using debt fund in more productive ways to support the economy. Further, the countries should focus more on national savings mobilization, export promotion and improve money supply management than looking for more debt.