Impact of trade openness on economic growth among ECOWAS Countries : 1975-2017

This study assesses the impact of trade openness on economic growth among ECOWAS countries using secondary data from 1975 to 2017. The study uses non-stationary heterogeneous dynamic panel models through the application of Pooled Mean Group (PMG) and Mean Group (MG) estimators since time dimension was more than cross-sections. Using the Hausman test, PMG estimator was preferred. Results show that trade openness has positive effects on growth in ECOWAS countries in the long-run but mixed effects in the short-run. The study therefore recommends that ECOWAS member countries improve cooperation among economic actors by using export consortia so as to help SMEs in the region access international markets and to pursue a twin strategy of trade and competitiveness.