Exporting to fragile states in Africa: Firm鈥恖evel evidence

Analyses the effect of fragility in destination markets on firm export behavior and the role of firm size in mediating adverse outcomes

Abstract

Chacha and Edwards (2019) analyses the effect of fragility in destination markets on firm export behavior and the role of firm size in mediating adverse outcomes. 皇冠体育app analysis is conducted using firm transaction data on Kenyan exports to Africa over the period 2004-2013. 皇冠体育app analysis reveals that fragility negatively affects a firm鈥檚 decision to enter a given destination market, reducing Kenya鈥檚 bilateral trade flows to African countries. Larger firms are more resilient to destination shocks in fragility and are less likely to exit. 皇冠体育appse results are robust to alternative measures of destination fragility, and the exclusion of bordering countries and the East African Community partner states. 皇冠体育app authors鈥� analysis reveals that the effect of business fragility (regulatory quality, government effectiveness, and control of corruption) dominates that of political fragility (voice and accountability, rule of law, and political stability), although both effects are negative and significant.

This work is part of the Private Enterprise Development in Low Income Countries (PEDL) programme

Citation

Chacha, P. and Edwards, L. (2019) 鈥淓xporting to fragile states in Africa: Firm鈥恖evel evidence鈥� Review of Development Economics

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Published 1 March 2021