摘要：Using data from a sample of 30 countries over the period 2000-15, we find evidence that shadow economy is higher in
countries where educational system is focused on general programs. This finding highlights the mismatch between the
needs of the private sector in skilled workers and what the educational system offers in some countries. In addition,
we show that vocational education negatively affects the size of the shadow economy, suggesting that it enhances
students' opportunities of finding gainful employment in formal sector. We also find that shadow economy in Africa is
related to financial development, public investment as well as demographic dividend. In terms of public implications,
our findings call for the need for a balanced educational system between general and vocational education programmes
in order to reduce the size of the shadow economy in Africa.
