COVID-19 control measure and economic growth resilience in Central Africa: does corruption matter?

This study assesses the effects of COVID-19 control measures on the resilience of economic growth. We applied the ordinary least squares method on a sample of 11 Central African countries with daily data from 2020 to 2021. According to the results, measures to combat COVID-19 (income support, fiscal debt relief, closure of schools and workplaces, cancellation of public events, quarantine, handwashing and lockdown) decrease the ability of economic growth to withstand the COVID-19 shock and to return to equilibrium after the shock. Furthermore, the results of the mediation analysis show that the effects of COVID-19 control measures (income support and debt relief) on the resilience of economic growth is mediated by corruption. From a policy perspective, we suggest strengthening political, economic and health institutions to combat future shocks.