Search

Abstract This study investigates the role of information and communication technology (ICT) on income inequality through financial development dynamics of depth (money supply and liquid liabilities), efficiency (at banking and financial system levels), activity (from banking and financial system perspectives) and size, in 48 African countries for the period 1996 to 2014. The empirical evidence is based on Generalised Method of Moments. While both financial depth and size are established to reduce inequality contingent on ICT, only the effect of financial depth in reducing inequality is robust to the inclusion of time invariant variables to the set of strictly exogenous variables. We extend the analysis by decomposing financial depth into its components, namely: formal, informal, semi-formal and non-formal financial sectors. The findings based on this extension show that ICT reduces income inequality through formal financial sector development and financial sector formalization as opposed to informal financial sector development and financial sector informalization. The study contributes at the same time to the macroeconomic literature on measuring financial development and responds to the growing field of addressing post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) inequality challenges by means of ICT and financial access. Highlights • We investigate linkages between information technology, finance and income inequality. • The focus is on 48 African countries for the period 1996 to 2014. • The empirical evidence is based on Generalised Method of Moments. • Findings are presented in terms of financial depth, activity, efficiency and size. • Results are also extended to the formal, informal, semi-formal and non-formal financial sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health promotion is an educational tool that can be used to educate and create awareness of health issues through various media forms. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of social media (TB Proof South Africa's Facebook page) in creating tuberculosis (TB) awareness. A qualitative case study approach was used to collect data from TB Proof South Africa's Facebook page. An in-depth visual analysis of TB Proof South Africa's Facebook page was carried out over a five-month period (from 1 February to June 30, 2017). The analysis of TB Proof South Africa's Facebook page was conducted in order to determine the use of social media for health promotion. Such a comprehensive analysis was aimed at determining if the visuals on this page create awareness on TB as an illness. Common themes were identified including, TB medication, TB patients and healthcare workers raising awareness on TB. The findings have potential implications for health promotion efforts using social media. • The study assesses how Facebook can be used to raise TB awareness. • The focus is on TB Proof South Africa's Facebook page and visual analysis is employed. • Facebook is a valuable social media that can be used to promote health awareness. • The findings have potential implications for health promotion efforts using social media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The debate on the need for Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries to increase female participation in the economic sector has intensified the coming into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and good governance. This study investigates the joint effects of governance (comprising of political, economic and institutional governance) and trade openness on female economic participation in SSA. The study employs panel data of 42 countries in SSA for the period 1996–2020. The empirical strategy is the dynamic System Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM) estimation technique. The findings reveal that the single effect of trade openness on female economic participation is necessary but not sufficient. Hence, complementing trade openness with good governance further enhances female economic participation in SSA. In general, the joint effect of trade openness and good governance should be a concern for policy makers to promote female economic inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]