Remittances and manufacturing sector growth in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This paper analyzes the link between remittances and the growth of manufacturing value-added (MVA) and explores whether the quality of institutions and exchange rate policy matter for the dynamics of the relationship in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. The findings suggest that when the level of financial development is accounted for, remittances have a positive impact on MVA. The standalone effect of remittances on MVA is, however, negative. The results also suggest that there is a positive influence of exchange rate flexibility on the dynamics between remittances and MVA. Furthermore, improvement in the business environment seems to matter for the performance of the manufacturing sector, but it is not significant to the dynamics between remittances and MVA. The development of the financial sector, on that account, emerges as an important factor influencing the impact of remittances on the growth of the manufacturing sector in SSA countries.