Influence of Real Exchange Rate on the Finance-Growth Nexus in the West African Region

Abstract

This study examines the moderating effects of the real exchange rate and its volatility on the finance-growth nexus in the West African region. It also determines the marginal effects of financial development on economic growth at various levels of the real exchange rates and its volatility. The findings show that financial development has a long-term positive impact on economic growth, but this impact is weakened by real exchange rate and its volatility. The marginal effects of financial development on economic growth vary with the levels of the real exchange rate and its volatility. The higher the real exchange rate and its volatility, the less finance spurs growth. We also provide evidence of this scenario in individual specific countries in the region. The implication of this study is that the development of the financial sector would not provide the desirable economic benefits except it is accompanied by a reduction and stability in the real exchange rates. Based on the findings, the study makes some policy recommendations.

Keywords

• real exchange rate
• volatility
• financial development
• economic growth