Title: Private capital formation and economic growth in Africa: the role of monetary policy

Authors: Vera Ogeh Fiador; Daniel Ofori-Sasu

Addresses: Department of Finance, University of Ghana Business School, P.O. Box LG 78, Legon-Accra, Ghana ' Department of Finance, University of Ghana Business School, P.O. Box LG 78, Legon-Accra, Ghana

Abstract: The study seeks to examine the role monetary policy plays on the impact of private capital formation on economic growth in Africa. By employing the dynamic system GMM for African countries over the period, 1999-2021, the study shows that reduction in monetary policy rates by a basic point leads to an increase in the level of private capital formation. The empirical results support a negative impact of monetary policy on economic growth, suggesting that countries that tighten their policy rates hinder economic growth. We find a negative impact of private capital formation on economic growth. However, the study provides evidence to support that monetary policy is an important tool employed by monetary authorities to reduce the negative impact of private capital formation on economic growth. Therefore, policymakers should continue to maintain and improve the current monetary policy rates to tame the reductive impact of private capital formation and economic growth.

Keywords: monetary policy; investment; private capital formation; economic growth.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBEM.2026.150244

International Journal of Business and Emerging Markets, 2026 Vol.18 No.1, pp.105 - 127

Received: 21 Jun 2023
Accepted: 21 Jul 2023

Published online: 05 Dec 2025 *

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