Towards economic convergence in WAMZ: effects of fiscal dominance on macroeconomic stability

Abstract

This article discusses the threat posed by fiscal dominance and measures that could be adopted to contain it in order to foster macroeconomic convergence in the WAMZ. The presentation is organised around two elements: the boom and burst cycle of capital expenditure, adjudged to be the root cause of fiscal dominance, and an empirical analysis of the implication of fiscal dominance for macroeconomic stability in the WAMZ. While the empirical and anecdotal evidences of the adverse effect of fiscal dominance is overwhelming, the paper went .further to propose a fiscal rule that would contain the destabilising effect of large revenue swings.