Population Growth in Zimbabwe: A Threat to Economic Development?

Abstract

Population growth is one of the fundamental factors that directly determine the supply of human resources which are indisputably critical for production. Population growth plays a pivotal role in country’s economic development trajectory. Most economically developed countries have significantly high populations, for instance, the United States (324 million by end of 2016) and China (1.378 million by end of 2016). This study seeks to unbundle the impact of population growth on economic development in Zimbabwe. The results of the model show that the impact of population growth on economic development is positive and significant. The study also found out that FDI (foreign direct investment), exports, inflation rate, and interest rate also significantly affect economic development in Zimbabwe. The government is advised to put measures as to promote population growth in Zimbabwe since it positively influences economic development.

Keywords: Demand, Export Growth, Economic Development, Population Growth, Private Consumption, Investment, OLS Model, Zimbabwe

JEL Classification: C22, D24, E23, E24, F63, I30, J10, O11, O15, O47, P23