Threshold Effect of Inflation on Economic Growth in the West African Monetary Zone
Threshold Effect of Inflation on Economic Growth in the West African Monetary Zone

Author: Olorunsola E. Olowofeso

Publisher:

Published: 2022

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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While previous studies have explored the relationship between inflation and economic growth, the existing literature on threshold effect of inflation on economic growth in the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) predominantly assumes a linear association, neglecting the possibility of nonlinearity. This study aims to fill the gap in the empirical literature by exploiting the variation in inflation rates across countries and over time to identify endogenously the threshold inflation level that affects economic growth in WAMZ countries over the period 2001-2019. The paper applies a Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR) model, considering the heterogeneity in inflation rates across countries and over time and nonlinearities in the inflation-growth nexus. Results reveal an inflation threshold of 10.3 per cent per annum for WAMZ countries, showing that achieving moderate inflation below this threshold will stimulate economic growth while high inflation above the threshold is detrimental to growth. The result provides strong empirical support for the policy stance of WAMZ countries regarding the convergence criterion to contain inflation to a single-digit level. This finding highlights the importance of adopting moderate inflation target below the identified threshold of 10.3 percent to foster sustainable economic growth. It underscores the need for central banks to adopt more proactive approach to monetary policy by closely monitoring inflation levels and taking appropriate actions to keep inflation within this desired range. Indeed, the evidence of such a nonlinear relationship implies that central banks should pay close attention to managing inflation expectations, through measures including clear and effective communication of monetary policy actions, which would help anchor inflation expectations to ensure a favourable inflation environment that supports economic growth and improve credibility of monetary policy in the region.

West African Economic and Monetary Union
West African Economic and Monetary Union

Author: International Monetary Fund. African Dept.

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2024-04-17

Total Pages: 72

ISBN-13:

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The WAEMU has seen strong growth and rising living standards over the past decade. Economic growth averaged 5.4 percent in 2013-2019 and 5.8 percent in 2021-2023. Policy efforts from regional and national authorities have cushioned the impact of several external and internal shocks, prompting a solid economic recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic, despite increasing security issues. Meanwhile, the Human Development Index has increased from 0.44 in 2013 to 0.48 in 2021.

Inflation Dynamics in the West African Economic and Monetary Union
Inflation Dynamics in the West African Economic and Monetary Union

Author: Cecilia Melo Fernandes

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2023-06-19

Total Pages: 19

ISBN-13:

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This paper analyzes recent inflation developments in the WAEMU. As in all inflation spikes in the past two decades, food is the main driver of inflation. The contribution from energy prices is also increasing, while inflation contagion effects are still limited to a few sectors. The share of professionals that believe that inflation will continue above the target within the one-year horizon is at high levels compared to 2021. Based on projections from two models, the chapter also evaluates the appropriate monetary policy responses to the recent inflationary pressures. The results suggest that inflation is expected to converge to its target range within 24 months given the reduction of exogenous shocks weighing-in on food and energy prices, the exhaustion of base effects as well as a reduction in supply and demand imbalances. However, numerous external and internal factors affect inflation prospects and should be carefully monitored, given the pronounced uncertainty surrounding geopolitical and economic developments, and further monetary policy tighten would be necessary unless downside risks to forecasts for baseline inflation and external buffers improve.

West African Economic and Monetary Union
West African Economic and Monetary Union

Author: International Monetary Fund. African Dept.

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2015-04-13

Total Pages: 70

ISBN-13: 1484326512

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This Selected Issues paper on West African Economic and Monetary Union presents external stability assessment report. The current account deficit declined in 2014. Although gross international reserve coverage has increased slightly, part of the current account deficit has been financed by a decline in commercial banks’ net foreign assets. Contingent on the implementation of government’s consolidation plans, and helped by a favorable oil price outlook, the current account deficit would further gradually decline and be matched by enough financial inflows in the medium term. According to various metrics, the real exchange rate appears to be broadly aligned with fundamentals. International reserve coverage should increase to provide stronger buffers against immediate short-term risks. Structural competitiveness and investment efficiency improvements will be essential to ensure that the planned large investment programs translate into growth and export gains as well as increased private inflows into the region.

How to Improve the Effectiveness of Monetary Policy in the West African Economic and Monetary Union
How to Improve the Effectiveness of Monetary Policy in the West African Economic and Monetary Union

Author: Mr.Alexei Kireyev

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2015-05-05

Total Pages: 36

ISBN-13: 1484366646

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The West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) is a currency union with a fixed exchange rate and limited capital mobility and, therefore, an independent monetary policy in the short run. The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) is conducting the single monetary policy with the main goal of preserving price stability and supporting economic growth. However, the effectiveness of its monetary policy remains low, with a weak reaction of market interest rates and inflation to BCEAO’s policy actions. The paper concludes that, while the institutional setup and the instruments of monetary policy are adequate, the transmission mechanism of monetary policy remains constrained by liquidity management practices, shallow and segmented financial markets, and interest rate rigidities. To improve the effectiveness of monetary policy the BCEAO should be more proactive in determining the stance of fiscal policies, develop financial markets, and liberalize controlled interest rates. The BCEAO is undertaking important reforms in these directions.