The Openness Hypothesis in the Context of Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Moderating Role of Trade Dynamics on FDI

This study investigates the simultaneous openness hypothesis by assessing the importance of trade openness in modulating the effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the 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. Trade imports modulate FDI to induce net positive effects on GDP growth and GDP per capita. Trade exports moderate FDI to generate overall positive impacts on GDP growth, real GDP, and GDP per capita. Implications of the study are discussed.