From financial development to economic growth and vice versa: A review of international experience and policy lessons for Africa

A large body of econometric studies in the past two decades has yielded considerable knowledge of the connection between financial development and economic growth, as experienced by a wide range of countries. A consensus view that financial development positively conditions or promotes economic growth emerged at an early stage. This paper argues that the evidence does not, however, provide a strong basis for policy in Africa, or, indeed, in specific countries elsewhere.