Trade liberalization and intra-regional trade: A case of selected ECOWAS countries

Abstract

This paper conducts an empirical investigation of the relationship between trade liberalization and intra-ECOWAS in selected economies. Using system and difference generalized method of moments, findings showed that trade liberalization has contributed to intra-regional trade in West Africa. Our results also show that better institutional quality and infrastructure are associated with higher intra-ECOWAS trade. Furthermore, using fixed and random effect estimators our findings were validated, thus reinforcing support to the hypothesis that removal of trade restrictions particularly in the manufacturing and primary sectors, good governance and infrastructural developments enhance trade amongst ECOWAS countries.