Institutional Quality and Intra-Regional Trade Flows: Evidence from ECOWAS

Abstract Since institutional quality can either create or destroy incentives for individuals to engage in trade, it has become a source of worry policymakers, as limit both intra- and extra-regional trade. Based on this, we empirically analyzed the extent which national affects bilateral trade flows ECOWAS based gravity model period from 2000 2018. Specifically, study employs negative binomial pseudo-maximum likelihood estimator (NBPML). The results reveal that variables with aggregated disaggregated measures institutions have significant positive impact its sub-samples, WAEMU WAMZ. further indicate importing exporting countries, reduced corruption, effective rule law, government coincide more among member countries. degree regional integration is an important determinant intra-ECOWAS are GDP, GDP per capita, common language, landlockedness.