Military spending and corruption in the economic community of West African states. (17th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abdoulaye, Dramane
• Is Part Of: African journal of economic and sustainable development. Volume 8:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 340
• Page End: 352
• Publication Date: 2021-09-17
• Subjects: military spending -- corruption -- ECOWAS; Sustainable development -- Africa -- Periodicals; 333.709605
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-4770

Abstract

This article aims to analyse the relationship between military spending and corruption in the countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). To this end, a VAR model was estimated on a panel of 15 countries over the period 2000-2017. The analysis established the existence of a two-way causality between corruption and military spending. The results revealed that corruption has a positive effect on military spending in ECOWAS countries and in turn military spending leads to an increase in the level of corruption. The study therefore suggests that states in the region should implement reforms in order to improve governance by increasing transparency in defence sector contracts. All this shall contribute to the efficiency of military spending necessary to ensure the security of the populations.