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on Africa |
| By: | Kapatamoyo, Musonda |
| Abstract: | This paper explores Artificial Intelligence (AI) 's transformative role in digital transformation and its implications for Africa's socio-economic development. We examine how AI's advanced analytics, machine learning algorithms, and predictive modeling capabilities reshape operational strategies. Case studies elucidate the diverse applications of AI in Africa, including natural resource management such as mining, wildlife conservation, precision agriculture, and water resource management. Examples such as copper deposit discovery in Zambia (Mitimingi & Hill, 2024) and AI-powered wildlife monitoring in Burkina Faso (Vermeulen et al., 2013) illustrate its potential to drive growth, competitiveness, and sustainability across the continent. |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itsb24:302527 |
| By: | Ebele S. Nwokoye (Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria); Stephen K. Dimnwobi (Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria); Favour C. Onuoha (Evangel University Akaeze, Nigeria); Chekwube V. Madichie (University of York, United Kingdom) |
| Abstract: | An inquiry into the impact of external and domestic borrowings is considered timely for Nigeria, given the growing public debt profile amid deteriorating human capital development. Using data from 1990 to 2021, the study estimates the effects of domestic and external debts on Nigeria’s human capital development. The study employed the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and canonical cointegration regression (CCR) as the main estimation technique and the robustness check respectively. The study discovered that domestic and external debt, economic growth and debt servicing exert positive and significant influence on human capital development in Nigeria while environmental pollution has an inverse and significant impact on human capital development in Nigeria. Premised on the outcomes, policy suggestions aimed at enhancing human capital development in Nigeria have been put forward. |
| Keywords: | Nigeria, Domestic debt, External debt, Human capital development |
| JEL: | H63 H68 I24 O15 |
| Date: | 2024–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:exs:wpaper:24/006 |
| By: | Maya Goldman; Ntuthuko Hlela |
| Abstract: | In this paper, we use a static fiscal incidence analysis model to evaluate the poverty and inequality impacts of using fiscal policy to finance expanded social spending in South Africa. We assess three methods to enhance the social protection system's equity objectives: increasing the size and/or coverage of the existing Social Relief of Distress grant and introducing a universal or working-age basic income grant. |
| Keywords: | Fiscal policy, Fiscal incidence, Social spending, Inequality, Poverty, Taxes and transfers |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2024-56 |
| By: | Vashold, Lukas; Pirich, Gustav; Heinze, Maximilian; Kuschnig, Nikolas |
| Abstract: | Minerals are essential to fuel the green transition, can foster local employment and facilitate economic development. However, their extraction is linked to several negative social and environmental externalities. These are particularly poorly understood in a development context, undermining efforts to address and internalize them. In this paper, we exploit the discontinuous locations of mines along rivers and their basins to identify causal effects on agricultural yields in Africa. We find considerable impacts on vegetation and yields downstream, which are mediated by water pollution and only dissipate slowly with distance. Our findings suggest that pollution from mines may play a role in the limited adoption of intensive agriculture. They underscore an urgent need for domestic regulations and international governance to limit negative externalities from mining in vulnerable regions. |
| Keywords: | pollution; agriculture; river basin; mining; earth observation |
| Date: | 2024–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wus005:67404185 |