Title: Foreign direct investment and economic growth in Zimbabwe: a dynamic causality test

Authors: Kunofiwa Tsaurai; Nicholas M. Odhiambo

Addresses: Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA, 0003, Pretoria, South Africa ' Department of Economics, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA, 0003, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract: In this study we examine the dynamic causal relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth in Zimbabwe using the modern time-series techniques. Specifically, we employ the ARDL-bounds testing approach to examine the FDI-growth linkage. We also employ the error-correction-based causality test, which captures both the short run and long run dynamics. Contrary to some of the previous studies, this study shows that there is a distinct causal flow from economic growth to FDI in Zimbabwe. The results apply irrespective of whether the causality test is conducted in the short run or in the long run. The study, therefore, recommends that Zimbabwe should pursue pro-growth strategies, in order to promote foreign direct investment.

Keywords: Zimbabwe; foreign direct investment; FDI; ARDL-bounds testing approach; economic growth.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEPEE.2012.048505

International Journal of Economic Policy in Emerging Economies, 2012 Vol.5 No.2, pp.183 - 196

Received: 27 Mar 2012
Accepted: 24 May 2012
Published online: 15 Nov 2014 *

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