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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Irene Chu
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
This study examines the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on regional trade in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Digital Technologies (DT) sector across 43 African countries from 2014 to 2021. Employing the augmented gravity model and confidence-level estimations, it highlights AfCFTA's mediating role in enabling ICT&DT trade on the continent. Using hierarchical regression analysis of a panel dataset comprising 5,160 observations, the findings imply that trade openness and productive capacities not only facilitate trade in the ICT&DT sector but also result in positive spillover effects across various economic sectors. This study contributes to the international business literature by refining the application of the gravity model to capture the need for sector-specific analyses to unpack institutional dynamics and dis-enablers of trade. It identifies AfCFTA as a pivotal yet underexplored element in the global trade landscape, highlighting its potential as Africa seeks a more prominent role on the global stage. The research stresses the significance of digital empowerment and policy reforms to maximise the benefits of regional integration under AfCFTA.
Author(s): Adams K, Attah-Boakye R, Yu H, Chu I, Mali D
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of International Management
Year: 2024
Volume: 30
Issue: 4
Print publication date: 01/08/2024
Online publication date: 24/05/2024
Acceptance date: 10/05/2024
Date deposited: 03/06/2024
ISSN (print): 1075-4253
ISSN (electronic): 1873-0620
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intman.2024.101156
DOI: 10.1016/j.intman.2024.101156
Data Access Statement: Data will be made available on request
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