IMF Working Papers

The Economic Consequences of Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa

Author/Editor:

Xiangming Fang ; Siddharth Kothari ; Cameron McLoughlin ; Mustafa Yenice

Publication Date:

October 30, 2020

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Summary:

Sub-Saharan Africa has been marred by conflicts during the past several decades. While the intensity of conflicts in recent years is lower than that observed in the 1990s, the region remains prone to conflicts, with around 30 percent of the countries affected in 2019. In addition to immeasurable human suffering, conflicts impose large economic costs. On average, annual growth in countries in intense conflicts is about 2.5 percentage points lower, and the cumulative impact on per capita GDP increases over time. Furthermore, conflicts pose significant strains on countries’ public finances, lowering revenue, raising military spending, and shifting resources away from development and social spending.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2020/221

Subject:

Capital spending Defense spending Expenditure Population and demographics Public debt Total expenditures

Frequency:

regular