TITLE:
COVID-19 Control Measure and Economic Growth Resilience in Central Africa: Does Corruption Matter?
AUTHORS:
Ongo Nkoa Bruno Emmanuel, Ngono Aristide Merlin
KEYWORDS:
Central Africa, Corruption, Resilience, Economic Growth
JOURNAL NAME:
Voice of the Publisher,
Vol.10 No.1,
January
22,
2024
ABSTRACT: This study assesses the effects of COVID-19 control measures on the resilience of economic growth. We applied the ordinary least squares method on a sample of 11 Central African countries with daily data from 2020 to 2021. According to the results, measures to combat COVID-19 (income support, fiscal debt relief, closure of schools and workplaces, cancellation of public events, quarantine, handwashing and lockdown) decrease the ability of economic growth to withstand the COVID-19 shock and to return to equilibrium after the shock. Furthermore, the results of the mediation analysis show that the effects of COVID-19 control measures (income support and debt relief) on the resilience of economic growth is mediated by corruption. From a policy perspective, we suggest strengthening political, economic and health institutions to combat future shocks.