The Effect of International Financial Reporting Standards on the Association between Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth: Evidence from Selected Countries in Africa

Abstract

The study aims at examining how IFRS adoption influences the relationship existing among foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth. The data consist of 12 developing economies that are the highest recipients of FDI in Africa, and the years of study are from 1996-2018. Using Ordinary Least Square and Generalized Least Square method of estimation, the result shows that IFRS is significantly positive to FDI. With FDI inflows in these countries, the result provides evidence that Non fully-IFRS adopted countries experience higher inflows of FDI than the fully-IFRS adopted countries. We find FDI inflows to also have positive influence on economic growth. The interaction of FDI and IFRS also influences economic growth positively when further analysis was carried on. The results provide evidence of positive relation among FDI, IFRS, and economic growth. IFRS adoption promotes FDI inflows which consequently spurs economic growth. There is, therefore, the need for policymakers to ensure adoption and enforcement of IFRS.