Comparative Analysis of Growth Convergence in Selected West African Countries

Abstract

This paper analyses the β-convergence process of West African countries with a focus on Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo. It has been motivated by the apparent persistence of income gap between West African countries. To achieve the objective of the study, we use both descriptive statistics and econometric approach. The study covers the time period of 27 years (1990-2017). The results show the absence of a unit steady state for the region and do not confirm neoclassical theory’s predictions. Rather, it shows the existence of club convergence in West Africa. Also, lower-income countries such as Benin and Togo have lower steady-state income compared to Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire.