External Debt and Poverty Headcount Ratio in West African Countries: Does Governance Matter?

Abstract

This paper analyses the link between external debt and poverty headcount ratio in the fifteen (15) West African countries, taking into account governance. Using the feasible generalized least squares (GLS) panel method for the period 1996-2021, we find that an increase in external debt contributes to the worsening poverty headcount ratio in the region. Then, enhancing governance while borrowing external funds does improve the poverty level. The regression shows that in West African Countries, governance indicators as well as the composite index of governance and the interaction term (governance composite index* external debt) contribute significantly to the reduction of the poverty rate. Therefore, there is a need for West African governments to be cautious when borrowing external funds and work towards sustainable debt management to prevent negative effects on poverty rates. In addition, the level of good governance should be improved in external debt management and poverty ratio reduction.