Publication Date
1-1-2021
Abstract
Increased trade is seen as one of the channels that can boost economic growth in ECOWAS. However, we are witnessing a relative decline in intra-ECOWAS trade. This relative weakness in intra-African trade is said to be due to trade barriers and obstacles, like the quality of infrastructure and transportation costs. In this paper, research is made into understanding the impact of infrastructure quality on trade in ECOWAS countries by referring to the gravity model. Estimates show that bilateral trade increases as the quality of infrastructure improves. Also, the results show that the value of bilateral trade increases with the size of the economies. Overall, geographical and structural factors have a decisive impact on intra-regional trade.
DOI
10.32727/24.2021.20
Included in
African Studies Commons, Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Growth and Development Commons, Peace and Conflict Studies Commons, Political Theory Commons