COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIAN AND IVORY COAST

Abstract

This study investigate comparative analysis of international trade and economic growth in Nigeria and Ivory Coast covering 1981 to 2020. Data for the study were obtained from World Bank indicators the study formulated two model (Nigeria & Ivory Coast) which were subjected to unit root test, using the Augmented Dickey fuller unit root test. The ADF test revealed a mixed order of integration. This means that some of the variables were stationary at levels 1(0) while others became stationary after first difference (1). The scenario necessitated the use of Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) model. Thus the result revealed that the regression estimate of exchange rate (EXR) and real gross domestic product (RGDP), is negative and significant to influence real gross domestic product in Nigeria and Ivory Coast. Also, it was also revealed that foreign direct investment (FDI) have a negative but significant relationship with real gross domestic product (RGDP) in Nigeria at the previous year's lag period. However, the regression result for Ivory Coast revealed that there is negative and statistically insignificant relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and real gross domestic product (RGDP) both in the previous and second year period. The coefficient of export trade in Nigeria revealed a positive relationship between the variables both in the current and previous year period in the short-run but is insignificant to dissemble real gross domestic product (RGDP) while the regression result of Ivory Coast showed a positive but insignificant correlation with real gross domestic product (RGDP). Similarly, the result of import trade revealed a positive but negligible to influence real gross domestic product (RGDP) in Nigeria, while the result for Ivory Coast indicates a positive but insignificant relationship between import trade (IMPT) and real gross domestic product (RGDP). The study recommends among others that government should take measures
that would make the mining and agricultural sub-sector attractive. Because they are the feeders and buffers of other sectors of the economy.