@unpublished{Asongu,2020,
title = {Does Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) Contribute to Youth Development in Informal Farm Entrepreneurship? Evidence from Rural Communities in Nigeria},
author = {Joseph I. Uduji, Elda N. Okolo-Obasi, Simplice A. Asongu},
url = {http://www.afridev.org/RePEc/agd/agd-wpaper/GESS-in-Nigeria-and-Youth-Development-in-Informal-Farm-Entrepreneurship.pdf},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-08-09},
abstract = {Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the impact of a growth enhancement support scheme (GESS) on youth development in informal farm entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Its special focus is to investigate the impact of the GESS on rural youths’ adoption of new technologies needed to sustainably increase food security in Nigeria. Design/ methodology/ approach – This paper adopts a survey research technique, aimed at gathering information from a representative sample of the population, as it is essentially cross-sectional, describing and interpreting the current situation. A total of 800 rural youths were sampled across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Findings – The result from the use of a bivariate probit model indicate that the GESS has a significant impact on rural youths’ innovations in farming. Practical implication – This suggests that information and communication technology (ICT) could provide new opportunities for making farming more interesting and enterprising for rural young people. Social implication – It implies that while old male and female farmers are less likely to adopt the new farming technologies needed to achieve Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda (ATA), a younger generation can help introduce new technologies, whilst also learning from traditional methods. Originality/ value – This research adds to the literature on informal farm entrepreneurship and rural communities’ debate in developing countries. It concludes that engaging youths in GESS should form the foundation of the ATA in Nigeria, which, in turn, would offer adequate combination of new and traditional solutions to address the challenges of food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa.},
keywords = {Entrepreneurship, Youth},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {unpublished}
}

@unpublished{Asongu,2020,
title = {Remittances, ICT and Pension Income Coverage: The International Evidence},
author = {David Adeabah, Simplice A. Asongu, Charles Andoh},
url = {http://www.afridev.org/RePEc/agd/agd-wpaper/Remittances-ICT-and-Pension-Income-Coverage-The-International-Evidence.pdf},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-08-08},
abstract = {This study examines the impact of remittances and information and communication technology (ICT) on pension at the country level. Our empirical evidence, based on data from 96 countries, indicate a significant non-linearity between remittances, ICT and pension income coverage. First, we find a convex relation between remittances and pension income coverage, indicating that increases in remittance, initially decreases pension income coverage, but as remittance increases beyond a certain point, so too does pension income coverage. This inflection point, where the effect of remittances turns from negative to positive, is estimated to be around 3.09% of GDP. Second, we document a concave relationship between ICT (i.e. mobile subscription and internet penetration) and pension income coverage. An increase in ICT results in increased pension income coverage. However, when ICT reaches a certain point, any further increase is associated with lower pension income coverage. The estimated optimal point is found to be around 140.14 subscriptions (per 100 people) for mobile phone and 27.93 (per 100 people) for internet penetration, respectively. Other implications are discussed.},
keywords = {Mobile phones, Pension, remittances},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {unpublished}
}

@unpublished{Asongu,2020,
title = {Globalization and Female Economic Participation in MINT and BRICS countries},
author = {Tolulope T. Osinubi, Simplice A. Asongu},
url = {http://www.afridev.org/RePEc/agd/agd-wpaper/Globalization-and-Female-Economic-Participation-in-MINT-and-BRICS-countries.pdf},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-08-05},
abstract = {This study examines the effect of globalization on female economic participation (FEP) in MINT (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria & Turkey) and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China & South Africa) countries between 2004 and 2018. Four measures of globalization are employed and sourced from KOF globalization index, 2018, while the female labour force participation rate is a proxy for FEP. The empirical evidence is based on Pooled Mean Group (PMG) estimators. The findings of the PMG estimator from the Panel ARDL method reveal that political and overall globalization in MINT and BRICS countries have a positive impact on FEP, whereas social globalization exerts a negative impact on FEP in the long-run. It is observed that economic globalization has no long-run effect on FEP. Contrarily, all the measures of globalization posit no short-run effect on FEP in the short-run. This supports the argument that globalization has no immediate effect on FEP. Thus, it is recommended that both MINT and BRICS countries should find a way of improving the process of globalization generally to empower women to be involved in economic activities. This study complements the extant literature by focusing on how globalization dynamics influence FEP in the MINT and BRICS countries.},
keywords = {Globalization; female; gender},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {unpublished}
}

@unpublished{Asongu,2020,
title = {Information Asymmetry and Insurance in Africa},
author = {Simplice A. Asongu, Nicholas M. Odhiambo},
url = {http://www.afridev.org/RePEc/agd/agd-wpaper/Information-Asymmetry-and-Insurance-in-Africa.pdf},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-08-02},
abstract = {In this study, we assess the relevance of decreasing information asymmetry on life and non-life insurance consumption, by using data from 48 African countries during the period 2004-2014. Reduced information asymmetry is proxied by information sharing offices, namely: public credit registries and private credit bureaus. The empirical evidence is based on the Generalised Method of Moments. The findings show that information sharing offices increase insurance consumption with a comparatively higher magnitude in life insurance penetration, relative to non-life insurance penetration. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.},
keywords = {Insurance; Information Asymmetry},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {unpublished}
}

@unpublished{Asongu,2020,
title = {The Openness Hypothesis in the Context of Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Moderating Role of Trade Dynamics on FDI},
author = {Simplice A. Asongu, Joseph Nnanna, Paul N. Acha-Anyi
},
url = {http://www.afridev.org/RePEc/agd/agd-wpaper/The-Openness-Hypothesis-in-the-Context-of-Economic-Development-in-SSA.pdf},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-07-31},
abstract = {This study investigates the simultaneous openness hypothesis by assessing the importance of trade openness in modulating the effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic dynamics of gross domestic product (GDP) growth, real GDP and GDP per capita. The focus of the study is on 25 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa over the period spanning from 1980 to 2014. First, trade imports modulate FDI to induce net positive effects on GDP growth and GDP per capita. Second, trade exports moderate FDI to generate overall positive impacts on GDP growth, real GDP and GDP per capita. Implications of the study are discussed, inter alia: (i) both FDI and trade infrastructures are necessary for FDI-focused measures to engender positive economic development outcomes in host communities and countries. (ii) Macroeconomic conditions that are relevant for promoting economic development are necessary for the interactions between trade openness and FDI to generate favorable outcomes in terms of GDP growth, real GDP and GDP per capita.},
keywords = {Economic Output; Foreign Investment},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {unpublished}
}

@unpublished{Asongu,2020,
title = {Road Transport Energy Consumption and Vehicular Emissions in Lagos, Nigeria},
author = {Monica Maduekwe, Uduak Akpan, Salisu Isihak},
url = {http://www.afridev.org/RePEc/agd/agd-wpaper/Road-Transport-Energy-Consumption-and-Vehicular-Emissions-in-Lagos-Nigeria.pdf},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-07-23},
journal = {Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives},
abstract = {The “Avoid”, “Shift” and “Improve” (A-S-I) approach is an effective method for transforming an unsustainable transport system to a sustainable one. This study intends to examine the possible impact of the A-S-I policy measures in transforming the transportation system in Lagos - the most populous city and the commercial capital of Nigeria. The study employs the Long Range Energy Alternative Planning (LEAP) model to project future energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions to determine the most effective A-S-I option for the city. We construct a business-as-usual scenario for Lagos as well as sustainable road transport alternative policy scenarios. The results show that Lagos’ biggest obstacle to achieving its emission reduction target is the presence of very old vehicles on its roads. Our analysis shows that emission reduction in the road transport sector in Lagos is sensitive to vehicle survivability rate (i.e. the fraction of vehicles of a certain age still driven). We conclude that unless the age limit of vehicles in Lagos reduces from 40 years to 22 years, vehicle growth rate from 5% to 2% and mileage by 2% per year from 2020- 2032, Lagos may not achieve the target 50% emission reduction by 2032.},
keywords = {Energy consumption, Road transport},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {unpublished}
}

@unpublished{Asongu,2020,
title = {The Geography of the Effectiveness and Consequences of Covid-19 Measures: Global Evidence},
author = {Simplice A. Asongu, Samba Diop, Joseph Nnanna
},
url = {http://www.afridev.org/RePEc/agd/agd-wpaper/The-Geography-of-the-Effectiveness-and-Consequences-of-Covid-19-Measures.pdf},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-07-22},
abstract = {This study has: (i) analysed the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, (ii) evaluated the effectiveness and relevance of different measures against the pandemic and (iii) examined nexuses between the corresponding measures and economic outcomes. The study uses a sample of 186 countries divided into four main regions, notably: Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, Europe, Africa and America. 34 preventing and mitigating measures against the Covid-19 pandemic are classified into five main categories: lockdown, movement restrictions, governance and economic, social distancing, and public health measures. The empirical evidence is based on comparative difference in means tests and correlation analyses. The findings show how the effectiveness and consequences of the Covid-19 measures are different across regions. In adopting the relevant policies to fight the ongoing pandemic, the comparative insights from the findings in the study are worthwhile. Inter alia: (i) from a holistic perspective, only European countries have favourably benefited from the Covid-19 measures; (ii) lockdown measures at the global level have not been significant in reducing the pandemic; (iii) the restriction of movement measure has been relevant in curbing the spread in the American continent; (iv) social distancing has been productive in Europe and counter-productive in Africa; (v) governance and economic measures have exclusively been relevant in Europe and (vi) overall public health measures have not had the desired outcomes in flattening the infection curve probably because most of the underlying measures are awareness decisions or oriented toward people already infected.},
keywords = {Coronavirus, Macroeconomics effects},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {unpublished}
}

@article{Asongu,2020,
title = {Finance, inequality and inclusive education in Sub-Saharan Africa},
author = {Simplice A. Asongu, Joseph Nnanna, Paul N.Acha-Anyi},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0313592620304008#!},
doi = {10.1016/j.eap.2020.07.006},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-07-22},
journal = {Economic Analysis and Policy},
abstract = {This research establishes inequality critical masses that should not be exceeded in order for financial access to promote gender parity inclusive education. The focus is on 42 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the data is for the period 2004-2014. The estimation approach is the Generalized Method of Moments. When remittances are involved in the conditioning information set: (i) the Palma ratio should not exceed 6.000 in order for financial access to promote gender parity inclusive “primary and secondary education” and (ii) the Atkinson index should not exceed 0.695 in order for financial access to promote inclusive tertiary education. However, when the internet is involved in the conditioning information set, it is established that in order for financial access to promote inclusive primary and secondary education, the: (i) Gini coefficient should not exceed 0.571; (ii) Atkinson index should not be above 0.750 and (iii) Palma ratio should be maintained below 8.000. Irrespective of variable in the conditioning information set, what is apparent is that inequality decreases the incidence of financial access on inclusive education. Hence, a common policy measure is to reduce inequality in order to promote inclusive education using the financial access mechanism. Policy implications are discussed in the light of Sustainable Development Goals.},
keywords = {Africa, Finance, Gender},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}

@unpublished{Asongu,2020,
title = {Backwardness Advantage and Economic Growth in the Information Age: A Cross-Country Empirical Study},
author = {Khuong Vu, Simplice Asongu},
url = {http://publications.excas.org/RePEc/exs/exs-wpaper/Backwardness-Advantage-and-Economic-Growth-in-the-Information-Age.pdf},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-07-21},
abstract = {This paper seeks to gain insights into whether developing countries benefit more from the backwardness advantage for economic growth in the Information Age. The paper examines this concern through three complementary approaches. First, it derives theoretical grounds from the existing economic models to support the hypothesis that the internet, inter alia, enables developing countries to reap greater growth gains from technology acquisition and catch-up. Second, the paper uses descriptive evidence to show that the growth landscape has indeed shifted decisively in favor of developing countries in the Internet Age in comparison to the pre-internet period. Third, using rigorous econometric techniques with data of 163 countries over a 20-year period, 1996-2016, the paper evidences that developing countries on average reap significantly greater growth gains from internet adoption in comparison to the average advanced country. The paper discusses policy implications from the paper’s findings.},
keywords = {developing countries; internet},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {unpublished}
}

@article{Asongu,2020,
title = {Backwardness advantage and economic growth in the information age: A cross-country empirical study},
author = {Khuong Vu, Simplice Asongu},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120197},
doi = {10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120197},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-07-21},
journal = {Technological Forecasting and Social Change},
volume = {Volume 159},
number = {October 2020},
pages = {120197},
abstract = {This paper seeks to gain insights into whether developing countries benefit more from the backwardness advantage for economic growth in the Information Age. The paper examines this concern through three complementary approaches. First, it derives theoretical grounds from the existing economic models to support the hypothesis that the internet, inter alia, enables developing countries to reap greater growth gains from technology acquisition and catch-up. Second, the paper uses descriptive evidence to show that the growth landscape has indeed shifted decisively in favor of developing countries in the Internet Age in comparison to the pre-internet period. Third, using rigorous econometric techniques with data of 163 countries over a 20-year period, 1996–2016, the paper evidences that developing countries on average reap significantly greater growth gains from internet adoption in comparison to the average advanced country. The paper discusses policy implications from the paper's findings.},
keywords = {developing countries; internet},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}