Can the Monetary Integration of ECOWAS Improve Intra-Regional Trade?

Author

Chinweuba E. Ezekwesili, Claremont McKenna CollegeFollow

Graduation Year

Fall 2011

Document Type

Open Access Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Economics

Reader 1

Gregory Hess

Terms of Use & License Information

Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Rights Information

© 2011 Chinweuba E. Ezekwesili

Abstract

A gravity model is used to evaluate the effects of currency union on intra-regional trade of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) member states. The panel data used includes bilateral observations for fourteen years spanning 1994 through 2006 for 16 countries. Controlling for determinants and deterrents of trade, I find the presence of a currency union three times as likely to increase intra-regional trade between ECOWAS member countries. In addition, I find that the effect on trade creation has been steadily falling since 1994.

Recommended Citation

Ezekwesili, Chinweuba E., "Can the Monetary Integration of ECOWAS Improve Intra-Regional Trade?" (2011). CMC Senior Theses. 279.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/279