Humain capital, technology frontier and economic growth in sob-saharan africa

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of human capital and the distance to the technological frontier on economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Human capital, encompassing education and health, is pivotal for enhancing productivity and adopting advanced technologies. The study examines a dataset spanning from 1990 to 2019 across 16 SSA countries, analysing how educational attainment and technological adoption influence productivity and economic expansion. The research employs documentary research, descriptive analysis, and panel data econometric modelling to validate the proposed hypotheses. Key findings suggest that human capital positively and significantly impacts economic growth, while the distance to the technology frontier is significant but has a negative impact. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of human capital development and technological integration in driving economic growth in SSA. These insights can guide policymakers in formulating strategies to leverage education and technology for sustainable economic progress.