Gender Inequality, Female Labour Force Participation and Economic Performance: Panel Evidence From African Countries

ABSTRACT This study investigates the relationship between gender‐related factors and economic performance in 14 African countries, 2000–2023. It examines how female labour force participation, gender inequality, human development, institutional quality and health expenditure influence GDP per capita as a measure of economic performance. The pooled mean group estimator was selected over the MG approach based on the Hausman test to ensure consistent long‐run estimates. The results in the long run indicate that women's participation and human development do not have a significant direct effect on GDP per capita, whereas robust institutions positively affect economic performance. Income is negatively correlated with health expenditure. In the short term, women's involvement and human development are positive signs for per capita GDP. Causality tests indicate that institutional quality, human development and health expenditure are the significant determinants of GDP per capita. Policymakers should pay attention to improving women's participation, strengthening institutional quality and improving the efficiency of health spending to achieve sustained economic growth and meet SDGs.