Socioeconomic determinants and impacts of life expectancy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A time series analysis from 1960-2020
Socioeconomic determinants and impacts of life expectancy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A time series analysis from 1960-2020

Summary/Abstract: Purpose: This study aims to identify thesocioeconomic determinants and impacts of lifeexpectancy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC) from 1960-2020.Methodology: Using time series data from the WorldBank, correlation analysis and Granger causality testsare employed to examine relationships between lifeexpectancy and various macroeconomic indicators inthe DRC.Results: Inflation, economic growth, populationgrowth, and CO2 emissions are the causes of lifeexpectancy in the DRC. In turn, life expectancyGranger causes inflation, economic growth, mineralrents, and CO2 emissions. A negative correlation isobserved between mineral rents and economicgrowth, while inflation negatively impacts lifeexpectancy.Theoretical Contribution: The bidirectional causalitybetween economic growth and longevity in the DRCsupports human capital theory. The study providesnew evidence on the drivers and effects of lifeexpectancy in the context of a developing, resource-rich economy.Practical Implications: The findings suggest that theDRC government should prioritize spending onhealth and education to promote longevity as aneconomic development engine. Policies controllinginflation and sustaining mineral resources are alsocrucial for improving life expectancy.

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