HEALTH, EDUCATION AND OUTPUT GROWTH IN WEST AFRICA

Abstract

Economic growth in West Africa has been hindered by insufficient investment in human capital, as highlighted by prior studies. Although previous research has examined the link between human capital and economic outcomes, the influence of gender has often been overlooked. This study investigated the gender-differentiated effects of education and health investments on output growth across 11 West African countries, utilizing panel data from the World Development Indicators. It applied the Panel Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) method and validated the results using Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCEMG) estimators and Driscoll-Kraay standard errors to ensure robustness. The analysis revealed that enrollment at the primary and tertiary education levels significantly and positively contributes to output growth, while secondary education enrollment, though positive, does not show a statistically significant effect. Additionally, increased life expectancy at birth was found to have a strong and significant positive impact on economic growth. Importantly, the study revealed that investments targeting the education and health of girls yield higher returns in terms of output growth compared to those targeting boys. In light of these findings, the study recommends that West African governments should prioritize expanding access to quality education across all levels through scholarships and financial support, enhance healthcare systems, and implement targeted programs that promote female empowerment.