Impact of the migration on the economic growth of the Democratic republic of Congo, from 1990 to 2023
Keywords:
Migration, emigration, immigration, economic growth, Gross Domestic Product (GDP)Abstract
International migration through its two aspects: emigration and immigration has considerable importance for the economic dynamics of the DRC. This research therefore examines the impact of migratory flows on the economy of the DRC from 1990 to 2023. It employed a specific methodological approach with an ARDL econometric method based on time series data that takes into account emigration, immigration, and remittances. The data show that emigration has a directly negative impact on growth, which is partially counterbalanced by remittances. Immigration, moreover, has a positive and significant impact on economic growth. Remittances also play a role in growth, but essentially through household consumption. In general, migration has an asymmetric impact on economic growth in the DRC. Its impact strongly depends on the institutional context and the country's production structure. It is therefore essential to better manage migratory flows in order to increase their economic impact.
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