The relationship between savings and economic growth in Southern African customs union (sacu) countries
- Authors: Tala, Lavisa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Economic development--Southern Africa , Customs unions
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63111 , vital:73187
- Description: This study empirically investigates the nature of the relationship between savings and economic growth in SACU member countries, namely: South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Eswatini, using panel data for the period 1990-2021. A high savings rate is believed to be instrumental in stimulating economic growth, making it vital is for policy makers to understand the nature of the relationship existing between savings and economic growth in order to design and implement appropriate policies. To ensure robustness of the empirical results, this study applied different panel data estimation procedures. Using Pooled OLS, Random Effect, Fully Modified OLS, Dynamic OLS and Mean Group, Pool Mean Group and Dynamic Fixed Effect, the study discovered that gross domestic savings have a positive impact on economic growth among SACU member countries. Based on the results, gross domestic savings emerged with different coefficients indicating sensitivity to the estimation technique although statistically significant. Furthermore, the study dealt with the issue of linearity in the savings-growth nexus, by estimating the threshold level. Estimated results reveal evidence that gross domestic savings above 16 percent threshold have a negative effect on economic growth, while below the threshold, level savings impact economic growth positively. The study recommends, among other things, that policy makers design and implement policies that promote financial inclusion to mobilise domestic savings so as to increase economic growth. The major goal of economic policy should be to encourage households to save and ensure that domestic savings are invested in productive projects and sectors of the economy. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Tala, Lavisa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Economic development--Southern Africa , Customs unions
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63111 , vital:73187
- Description: This study empirically investigates the nature of the relationship between savings and economic growth in SACU member countries, namely: South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Eswatini, using panel data for the period 1990-2021. A high savings rate is believed to be instrumental in stimulating economic growth, making it vital is for policy makers to understand the nature of the relationship existing between savings and economic growth in order to design and implement appropriate policies. To ensure robustness of the empirical results, this study applied different panel data estimation procedures. Using Pooled OLS, Random Effect, Fully Modified OLS, Dynamic OLS and Mean Group, Pool Mean Group and Dynamic Fixed Effect, the study discovered that gross domestic savings have a positive impact on economic growth among SACU member countries. Based on the results, gross domestic savings emerged with different coefficients indicating sensitivity to the estimation technique although statistically significant. Furthermore, the study dealt with the issue of linearity in the savings-growth nexus, by estimating the threshold level. Estimated results reveal evidence that gross domestic savings above 16 percent threshold have a negative effect on economic growth, while below the threshold, level savings impact economic growth positively. The study recommends, among other things, that policy makers design and implement policies that promote financial inclusion to mobilise domestic savings so as to increase economic growth. The major goal of economic policy should be to encourage households to save and ensure that domestic savings are invested in productive projects and sectors of the economy. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Import licensing regulation within the WTO: a case study of the dispute between Zimbabwe and South Africa over the Control of Goods (Open General Import Licence) Notice of 2016 (Statutory Instrument 64)
- Kamunjoma, Charles https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1930-4341
- Authors: Kamunjoma, Charles https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1930-4341
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Import quotas , Customs unions , Africa, Southern -- Economic integration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27854 , vital:70097
- Description: Over the years, Zimbabwe has arbitrarily enforced trade restrictive measures including mandatory inspections on certain products, duty increases, surtaxes and import permits on basic products such as cooking oil. The measures have been allegedly targeting goods from South Africa. Amongst the most recent restrictive measures imposed by Zimbabwe is SI 64 of 2016 that now operates as SI 122 of 2017. In response to SI 64, for the first time, South Africa threatened retaliation. As a result, there is visible trade tension between Zimbabwe and South Africa. With the absence of an effective dispute settlement mechanism within SADC, or most African Regional Economic Communities RECs for that matter, a WTO approach to the issue will provide valuable insights on how else South Africa (and other African countries) can deal with cross-border trade problems such as the ones posed by SI 64. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kamunjoma, Charles https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1930-4341
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Import quotas , Customs unions , Africa, Southern -- Economic integration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27854 , vital:70097
- Description: Over the years, Zimbabwe has arbitrarily enforced trade restrictive measures including mandatory inspections on certain products, duty increases, surtaxes and import permits on basic products such as cooking oil. The measures have been allegedly targeting goods from South Africa. Amongst the most recent restrictive measures imposed by Zimbabwe is SI 64 of 2016 that now operates as SI 122 of 2017. In response to SI 64, for the first time, South Africa threatened retaliation. As a result, there is visible trade tension between Zimbabwe and South Africa. With the absence of an effective dispute settlement mechanism within SADC, or most African Regional Economic Communities RECs for that matter, a WTO approach to the issue will provide valuable insights on how else South Africa (and other African countries) can deal with cross-border trade problems such as the ones posed by SI 64. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Mercosur-SACU relations : an examination of the revised economic initiative for South-South Cooperation
- Authors: Mpepho, Lwandiso Arthur
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Developing countries -- Economic policy , Customs unions , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8326 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020348
- Description: The study was conducted to examine economic relations between the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the Mercado Commun del Sur (translated Southern Common Market), in short (Mercosur). SACU was established in 1910 and consists of five member countries, namely; South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland. Mercosur was created in 1991 and consists of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, with Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela being associate members. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether the Mercosur-SACU relations had created more economic opportunities for both regions. In pursuit of this aim, the study revised and analysed the evolution, development and growth of both Mercosur and SACU. It also analysed the achievements and challenges faced by each of the blocs in their respective regions. The conclusion of the analysis indicate that, countries which were economically stronger before the establishment of formal bloc-to-bloc relations, Brazil in Mercosur and South Africa in SACU, tended to reap disproportionally high dividends than others. The study further concludes that challenges facing Mercosur and SACU countries should not discourage them in pursuing collective developmental initiatives such as regional integration and South-South Cooperation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mpepho, Lwandiso Arthur
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Developing countries -- Economic policy , Customs unions , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8326 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020348
- Description: The study was conducted to examine economic relations between the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the Mercado Commun del Sur (translated Southern Common Market), in short (Mercosur). SACU was established in 1910 and consists of five member countries, namely; South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland. Mercosur was created in 1991 and consists of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, with Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela being associate members. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether the Mercosur-SACU relations had created more economic opportunities for both regions. In pursuit of this aim, the study revised and analysed the evolution, development and growth of both Mercosur and SACU. It also analysed the achievements and challenges faced by each of the blocs in their respective regions. The conclusion of the analysis indicate that, countries which were economically stronger before the establishment of formal bloc-to-bloc relations, Brazil in Mercosur and South Africa in SACU, tended to reap disproportionally high dividends than others. The study further concludes that challenges facing Mercosur and SACU countries should not discourage them in pursuing collective developmental initiatives such as regional integration and South-South Cooperation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The theoretical and empirical analysis of trade integration among unequal partners : implications for the Southern African Development Community
- Authors: Cattaneo, Nicolette Sylvie
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community , Customs unions , Africa, Southern -- Foreign economic relations , Africa, Southern -- Economic integration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:1008 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002743 , Southern African Development Community , Customs unions , Africa, Southern -- Foreign economic relations , Africa, Southern -- Economic integration
- Description: The re-acceptance of South Africa into the international community has cleared the path for the closer integration of South Africa with its neighbours in a broader southern African regional union. In particular, the countries of the Southern African Development Community {SADC), which South Africa joined in August 1994, have committed themselves to the formation of a free trade area (FTA) over an eight-year period. The most likely impediment to this process is the perception of a highly unequal distribution of the economic gains and losses of such an arrangement. This reflects the particular context of SADC: one of a comparatively undeveloped region, dominated by a relatively large, more industrially advanced country, which is itself small by international standards. The essential question with which this study is concerned, therefore, is whether, despite the existing inequalities in the region, a FTA among SADC members could be mutually beneficial to South Africa and its partners. The thesis applies orthodox and new trade theory to the analysis of economic integration among unequal partners. Using the theoretical analysis, and with reference to empirical studies of such experience elsewhere in the world, it attempts to provide an assessment of the existing body of literature on the possible effects of a SADC FTA. In the light of this discussion, and from its own preliminary empirical analysis of the possible pattern of inter-sectoral versus intra-sectoral specialisation which may result on union, the study suggests ways in which a fuller evaluation of the welfare implications of a southern African FTA may be achieved. The thesis argues that the orthodox theory based on perfect competition provides an insufficient framework for the analysis of the likely effects of a SADC FT A. It finds that, firstly, in an alternative analytical framework which retains the assumption of perfect competition, there may be other criteria for judging the success of a regional union that are neglected by orthodoxy, particularly in the case of developing countries. Secondly, the new trade theory based on imperfect competition and product differentiation provides useful insights into the possible effects of a regional union among countries at unequal levels of development. The formal extension of this body of literature to the theory of economic integration is clearly called for. It is found, however, that neither orthodox customs union theory, nor its suggested alternatives and extensions, enable one to conclude, a priori, that the formation of a FTA in the southern African region could not be beneficial to both South Africa and its smaller partners. Further, the present empirical studies on SADC do not take account of the full range of factors necessary for a complete welfare assessment of the possible effects. Since the outcome of integration depends on the empirical circumstances of the particular case, and since the information necessary for a comprehensive welfare evaluation is not currently available, the study concludes that the countries of the region have committed themselves to a FTA without any definite knowledge of its likely effects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
- Authors: Cattaneo, Nicolette Sylvie
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community , Customs unions , Africa, Southern -- Foreign economic relations , Africa, Southern -- Economic integration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:1008 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002743 , Southern African Development Community , Customs unions , Africa, Southern -- Foreign economic relations , Africa, Southern -- Economic integration
- Description: The re-acceptance of South Africa into the international community has cleared the path for the closer integration of South Africa with its neighbours in a broader southern African regional union. In particular, the countries of the Southern African Development Community {SADC), which South Africa joined in August 1994, have committed themselves to the formation of a free trade area (FTA) over an eight-year period. The most likely impediment to this process is the perception of a highly unequal distribution of the economic gains and losses of such an arrangement. This reflects the particular context of SADC: one of a comparatively undeveloped region, dominated by a relatively large, more industrially advanced country, which is itself small by international standards. The essential question with which this study is concerned, therefore, is whether, despite the existing inequalities in the region, a FTA among SADC members could be mutually beneficial to South Africa and its partners. The thesis applies orthodox and new trade theory to the analysis of economic integration among unequal partners. Using the theoretical analysis, and with reference to empirical studies of such experience elsewhere in the world, it attempts to provide an assessment of the existing body of literature on the possible effects of a SADC FTA. In the light of this discussion, and from its own preliminary empirical analysis of the possible pattern of inter-sectoral versus intra-sectoral specialisation which may result on union, the study suggests ways in which a fuller evaluation of the welfare implications of a southern African FTA may be achieved. The thesis argues that the orthodox theory based on perfect competition provides an insufficient framework for the analysis of the likely effects of a SADC FT A. It finds that, firstly, in an alternative analytical framework which retains the assumption of perfect competition, there may be other criteria for judging the success of a regional union that are neglected by orthodoxy, particularly in the case of developing countries. Secondly, the new trade theory based on imperfect competition and product differentiation provides useful insights into the possible effects of a regional union among countries at unequal levels of development. The formal extension of this body of literature to the theory of economic integration is clearly called for. It is found, however, that neither orthodox customs union theory, nor its suggested alternatives and extensions, enable one to conclude, a priori, that the formation of a FTA in the southern African region could not be beneficial to both South Africa and its smaller partners. Further, the present empirical studies on SADC do not take account of the full range of factors necessary for a complete welfare assessment of the possible effects. Since the outcome of integration depends on the empirical circumstances of the particular case, and since the information necessary for a comprehensive welfare evaluation is not currently available, the study concludes that the countries of the region have committed themselves to a FTA without any definite knowledge of its likely effects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
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