Understanding the Growth of African Financial Markets

Author/Editor:

Mihasonirina Andrianaivo ; Charles Amo Yartey

Publication Date:

August 1, 2009

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper examines empirically the determinants of financial market development in Africa with an emphasis on banking systems and stock markets. The results show that income level, creditor rights protection, financial repression, and political risk are the main determinants of banking sector development in Africa, and that stock market liquidity, domestic savings, banking sector development, and political risk are the main determinants of stock market development. We also find that liberalizing the capital account promotes financial market development only in countries with high incomes, well- developed institutions, or both. The powerful impacts of political risk on both banking sector and stock market development suggest that resolution of political risk may be important to the development of African financial markets.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2009/182

Subject:

Capital account liberalization Commercial banks Financial sector development Multilateral development institutions Stock markets

English

Publication Date:

August 1, 2009

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451873290/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2009182

Pages:

40

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