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Real exchange rates, trade balance and capital flows in Africa

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  • Kodongo, Odongo
  • Ojah, Kalu

Abstract

We analyze the intertemporal causal relationships between the real exchange rate and trade balance and cross-border capital flows in Africa. We use annual data of nine major African countries for the period 1993–2009. Through panel VAR techniques, we document some causality from real exchange rates to cross-border flows of African countries. Results however differ amongst the three kinds of flows examined and are not uniform across different country clusters. Our findings lend support to the classical balance of trade theoretical view in which the net effect of a depreciation of the domestic currency is an improvement in the domestic country's balance of payments position in the short-run.

Suggested Citation

  • Kodongo, Odongo & Ojah, Kalu, 2013. "Real exchange rates, trade balance and capital flows in Africa," Journal of Economics and Business, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 22-46.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jebusi:v:66:y:2013:i:c:p:22-46
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeconbus.2012.12.002
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    Cited by:

    1. Manoranjan Sahoo, 2018. "Exchange Rate and Service Exports from India: A Nonlinear ARDL Analysis," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 38(2), pages 1090-1101.
    2. Warren Moraghen & Boopen Seetanah & Noor Sookia, 2019. "Explaining Heterogeneity in the Effect of the Exchange Rate and Exchange Rate Volatility on Foreign Direct Investment: A Meta‐Analysis Approach," African Development Review, African Development Bank, vol. 31(3), pages 275-291, September.
    3. Pabai Fofanah, 2020. "Effects of Exchange Rate Volatility on Trade: Evidence from West Africa," Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, AMH International, vol. 12(3), pages 32-52.
    4. Olumuyiwa Tolulope Apanisile & Olusola Mathew Oloba, 2020. "Asymmetric effect of exchange rate changes on cross-border trade in Nigeria," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 6(1), pages 1-9, December.
    5. Onatunji Olufemi, 2019. "Do real exchange rate changes have symmetric or asymmetric effects on trade balance in Nigeria? Evidence from Non-linear ARDL Model," The Review of Finance and Banking, Academia de Studii Economice din Bucuresti, Romania / Facultatea de Finante, Asigurari, Banci si Burse de Valori / Catedra de Finante, vol. 11(1), pages 14-23, June.
    6. Christelle Meniago & Joel Hinaunye Eita, 2017. "The effects of exchange rate changes on Sub-Saharan Africa trade," International Journal of Sustainable Economy, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 9(3), pages 213-230.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Real exchange rates; Trade flows; Capital flows;

    JEL classification:

    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets
    • F21 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Investment; Long-Term Capital Movements
    • F31 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Exchange
    • F32 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Current Account Adjustment; Short-term Capital Movements

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