Industrial growth in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from machine learning with insights from nightlight satellite images
ISSN: 0144-3585
Article publication date: 1 December 2020
Issue publication date: 29 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This study uses machine machine learning techniques to assess industrial development in Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses nightlight time data and machine learning techniques to assess industrial development in Africa.
Findings
This study provides evidence on how machine learning techniques and nightlight data can be used to assess economic development in places where subnational data are missing or not precise. Taken together, the research confirms four groups of important determinants of industrial growth: natural resources, agriculture growth, institutions and manufacturing imports. Our findings indicate that Africa should follow a more multisector approach for development, putting natural resources and agriculture productivity growth at the forefront.
Originality/value
Studies on the use of machine learning (with insights from nightlight satellite images) to assess industrial development in Africa are sparse.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are indebted to the editor and reviewers for constructive comments.
Citation
Otchia, C. and Asongu, S. (2021), "Industrial growth in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from machine learning with insights from nightlight satellite images", Journal of Economic Studies, Vol. 48 No. 8, pp. 1421-1441. https://doi.org/10.1108/JES-05-2020-0201
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited