Abstract:

The paradoxical effect of natural resources and especially minerals on economic performance has been the topic of several studies throughout the years. The aim of this paper is to determine the relationship between the share of mineral resources in total export and economic growth in the economies of Sub- Saharan Africa. Many of these economies are rich in minerals and at the same time one of the poorest. Existing studies show a negative effect of mineral resources on economic growth. Our analysis however did not reveal the relationship between the share of mineral resources in total export and economic growth in the category of mineral economies. Only a very weak effect has been demonstrated in other economies.