The Impact of the Slave Trades on Literacy Rate in Africa

This study provided evidence of the impact of the slave trade on Africa and its current underdevelopment through human capital. The study showed that the slave trade in Africa still affects the literacy rate. It combined data on African literacy rates at the regional level from the Demographic and Health Survey with data on slave export intensity. The study found a negative and significant relationship between slave export intensity and the modern literacy rate. The result of the study persisted while controlling for the pre-colonial and colonial economic measures, State Fragility Index, and modern agricultural labor demand. The finding suggests that policymakers should allocate greater public goods resources to regions in Africa that experienced greater slave export intensity.