Investigating the effects of trade openness on inclusive growth: evidence from the top five performing SADC members states

Abstract

This study originates from the notion that trade openness promotes inclusive growth as it promotes economic growth. Hence, this study investigates the effects of trade openness on inclusive growth focusing on the selected SADC countries, aiming to inveterate the flow of inclusive growth. The study findings reveal that selected SADC countries require utilitarian policy to be formed in a country context to return responsive inclusive growth standards. The panel autoregressive distributed lag approach was employed from 2000 to 2020. This study has uncovered a shortage of inclusive principles within SADC, to promote inclusive growth. This study confirms that SADC-inclusive channels should be mended. This study contributes by narrowing the inadequacy gap set between SADC trade openness and inclusive growth. Besides its contribution to the field, the study is envisaged to offer insights into selected SADC member states policymakers to reconsider and prioritize benefits that are tied to inclusive growth through trade openness. The findings of this study provide an important scientific basis to the understanding of the relationship between trade openness and inclusive growth in the SADC region. The study plays an important supporting role by sensitizing policymakers and researchers interested in promoting equitable economic development through inclusive growth.