EDUCATION, POVERTY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH NEXUS IN ANGLOPHONE WEST AFRICAN COUNTRIES

Abstract

Nations cannot achieve sustainable development without investing in education, as education is a multidimensional process that enhances economic growth and reduces poverty by increasing productivity. Poverty has strong linkages with education and economic development. This study utilizes panel data from five (5) Anglophone West African countries – The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone – covering the period from 1990 to 2023. The results of the Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) estimation confirm that poverty and exchange rate fluctuations have a negative and significant impact on economic growth. Meanwhile, government expenditure on education has a positive and significant effect on economic growth, while the consumer price index positively influences growth but is statistically insignificant. Based on these findings, the study recommends the adoption of poverty reduction and education-enhancing strategies to accelerate economic growth in these countries. Additionally, policies promoting pro-poor growth and increased investment in education should be prioritized to foster sustainable development in Anglophone West Africa