EXCHANGE RATE, NET EXPORT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN EAST AFRICAN COUNTRIES: PANEL DATA ANALYSIS

Abstract

This paper examines an empirical investigation of exchange rate, net export and economic growth in east African countries. The study fully employing a strongly balanced panel data the period from 2000 to 2015/2016.The data set is collected from NBE, IMF and WB. The study employed Random effect model as confirmed by Hausman test.The study found that net export; real exchange rate, trade openness and expenditure of government are positive and significantly explained economic growth.The empirical investigation of in this study indicates that both exchange rate and net export are equally important and the advance issue of determining economic growth.The estimation result suggested that, a depreciation of exchange rate and the improvement of net export were improves economic growth and all types of import and exports, a result that is statistically significant and consistent with the standard economic theory. The policy recommendation of these countries should take emphasis and give more attention to improve more advancements of manufacturing product rather to devaluate exchange rate