Koppling mellan ekonomisk tillväxt och ett afrikanskt lands exportportfölj

Sammanfattning: Abstract This thesis evaluates associations between the composition of export portfolios and economic growth in African countries south of the Sahara. These countries suffer from underdevelopment and low economic growth partly due to excessive tariffs on primary export products. Increased knowledge regarding the impact of choice of portfolio may help direct African countries towards improved economic development. Association between initial GDP per capita, investments, government consumption, index on human capital, agricultural products, fuels and mineral as part of export portfolios in 49 African countries during 7 different time periods were investigated using linear regression models. The results indicate that a higher proportion of agricultural products, fuels, and minerals as part of the export portfolio has a negative and positive impact on economic growth. However, the mechanisms underlying these associations remain unclear, although factors such as institutions, conflicts, impact from colonial periods as well as choice of trading partners are possible explanations that may help understanding and interpreting economic development in Africa.