Time-series evidence for export-led growth paradigm: A case study of Zimbabwe.

Abstract

The study addresses empirically the Export-led Growth Hypothesis (ELGH) using Zimbabwe as a case study. This research work attempts to provide some evidence in this regard by examining the influence of trade on economic growth in the economy and ascertaining if the regressors utilised are good predictors of growth. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method is resorted in order to estimate the specified equations used in the study. The time-series data utilized runs from 1991 to 2003. The results of the study confirm the existence of the export-led growth model in Zimbabwe. In the face of continual instability in its export receipts, we recommend that fundamental economic and political restructuring should be embarked upon in order to address and subsequently reverse the present situation.