Urbanization and Educational Attainment: Evidence from Africa

Abstract

Despite the rapid urbanization of the developing world, little remains known about how urban migration and residency affect childhood outcomes. Using census data for 14 African countries combined with an age-at-move design, I show that childhood exposure to cities significantly increases the primary school completion and literacy rates of children, even among poor urban households. Better availability of schools and lower opportunity costs of education in cities appear to be the main factors explaining the positive impact on education attainment. The paper thus provides evidence of a novel channel through which urban migration can promote economic development.

Keywords: Urban Migration, Educational Attainment, Education, Developing World Cities