Transport, Communication Expenditures and Economic Growth in Mali from 1992 to 2020

Abstract

The present study seeks to empirically assess the effect of transport and communication expenditures on economic growth in Mali over the period 1992–2020. The data related to the various variables used in the study were obtained from the World Bank and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). The estimation was carried out using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, complemented by stationarity and cointegration tests in order to highlight short- and long-term dynamics. The results show that there is a relationship between public spending on transport and communications and economic growth in Mali. In the short run, certain components of transport and communication infrastructure expenditures have a positive and significant effect on GDP, thereby fostering productivity and trade. However, in the long run, the overall effect of these expenditures appears mixed, reflecting shortcomings in planning, maintenance, and the efficiency of public resource allocation. Thus, this research highlights the structural role of investments in transport and communication infrastructure, while underlining the limitations related to their sustainability and their capacity to sustainably stimulate economic growth.

Classification JEL : H54, O47, C32, O55

Type de papier : Empirical Research