Dumitrescu-Hurlin Panel Causality Test Research Articles

The impacts of different types of globalization on energy security risk: Can globalization be a remedy for the energy security risk of OECD countries?

This study analyzes the impact of globalization and its sub-dimensions on energy security risk for OECD countries. In our study, annual data of 26 OECD countries for the period 1980-2018 were used. Second generation panel data techniques were used as the methodology. The results of the analysis show that economic, political and aggregate globalization increases energy security risk, while social globalization is statistically insignificant. The Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality test results demonstrate that there is a unidirectional causality relationship between inflation and energy security risk, and a bidirectional causality relationship between economic globalization, social globalization, political globalization, aggregate globalization, GDP and Gross Fixed Capital Formation and energy security risk. The study also analyzed how the impact of globalization on energy security risk varies across countries. The results of the analysis reveals that there are significant differences in the direction, significance and coefficient size of the relationship across countries. These findings suggest that the effects of globalization on energy security risks vary across countries. Therefore, countries should develop policies to minimize energy security risks by taking into account their own dynamics.

DEVELOPMENT-ECONOMIC FREEDOMS INTERACTION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF D8 AND G8 COUNTRY GROUPS

One viewpoint, which has been gaining traction recently, posits that augmenting economic freedom within liberal markets while minimizing public intervention spurs development. Conversely, another standpoint suggests that as development progresses, there emerges a heightened demand for greater economic freedom, resulting in the implementation of liberal policies. In this context the primary objective of this study is to scrutinize the presence of causality between economic freedom and development. Additionally, the study delves into whether this causal relationship, if extant, is consistent across countries at varying stages of development. Consequently, an examination is conducted on two distinct country groups, namely D8 and G8, employing the Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality test. This method dissects the directional link between economic freedom and development for these country clusters spanning the period 2000-2019. The analysis reveals that within D8 nations, a reciprocal causality exists between economic freedom and development. In contrast, among G8 countries, no causal link emerges from economic freedom to development, while a unilateral causal relationship emerges from development to economic freedom.

Is the Romer Hypothesis valid for Newly Industrialized Countries? Evidence from panel ARDL

Purpose ― This study investigates the effect of trade openness on inflation, referred to as the Romer hypothesis, for Newly Industrialized Countries (NICs) from 1990 to 2022.Methods ― It uses a panel ARDL method and the Dumitrescu-Hurlin (2012) causality test. Economic growth, credit, and money supply are included in the model as independent variables. Findings ― The findings reveal no statistically significant long-term and short-term relationships between trade openness and inflation. However, money supply has statistically significant positive effects on inflation in the long run, while economic growth and credit exhibit no statistically significant impact. In the short run, money supply and economic growth reduced inflation. According to the Dumitrescu-Hurlin (2012) panel causality test, a bidirectional relationship exists between inflation and economic growth, money supply, and credit, while a unidirectional relationship is observed between inflation and trade openness. Implications ― Reducing the external dependency of sectors that rely on imported inputs is necessary to mitigate the adverse effects of trade openness on inflation in NICs. It is crucial to ensure that monetary policy helps align money supply and credit expansions with real sector trends.Originality ― This research is pioneering in its focus on testing the Romer hypothesis for Newly Industrialized Countries (NICs).

Unraveling the Effects of Economic Growth and Unemployment on Tobacco Use: A Panel Data Approach.

The economic situation is recognized as a significant factor influencing tobacco consumption. Accordingly, this research aims to investigate the relationship between economic growth, unemployment, and tobacco use. This investigation employs data from 1985 to 2019 to elucidate the relationship between economic growth, unemployment, and tobacco consumption in a select group of OECD countries. Employing Pedroni and Johansen-Fisher Panel Co-Integration Tests, we assess the co-integrating relationships. Furthermore, FMOLS and DOLS techniques are applied, complemented by the Dumitrescu Hurlin Panel Causality Test. FMOLS and DOLS results suggest that a 1% increase in GDP leads to a 6.46% and 7.29% rise in tobacco consumption, respectively, while GDP squared results in a 0.39% and 0.43% decrease. However, both tests failed to establish a significant relationship between tobacco consumption and unemployment. Cointegration was confirmed by Johansen-Fisher and Pedroni tests. Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality tests revealed direction of granger causality from economic growth to tobacco consumption, but not with unemployment. Tobacco consumption declined across all countries studied. Economic growth shows a positive association, while GDP squared has a negative association, indicating an inverted U-shaped relationship. No significant relationship was found with unemployment in the employed tests. In addition to the measures implemented by countries to reduce tobacco consumption, economic factors also exert a significant relation with smoking behavior. The available results suggests that economic growth initially associated with increase in tobacco consumption but reduction in later stages indicating a long-term inverse relationship between economic growth and tobacco use.

Examining the Influence of Renewable Energy Consumption, Technological Innovation, and Export Diversification on Economic Growth: Empirical Insights from E-7 Nations

The present research focuses on the endogenous development theory and investigates the relationships between economic growth (dependent variable) and renewable energy consumption, technological innovation, and export diversification (independent variables) in seven emerging economies known as the E-7. Previous studies have examined these factors individually but have not explored their combined impact on the E-7 economies. Therefore, this study contributes to the existing literature on the effects of renewable energy consumption, technological advancement, and export diversification on economic development. This study analyses the dynamic connections among these variables in seven selected emerging countries: Brazil, China, Indonesia, India, Mexico, Russia, and Turkey. Panel data from 1990 to 2022 are utilised, and various methodologies, including panel cointegration, the pooled mean group–autoregressive distributed lag (PMG-ARDL) estimator, and robustness tests, such as the fully modified ordinary least square and dynamic ordinary least square tests, are employed. Empirical inferences are drawn using the Dumitrescu–Hurlin panel causality (DHC) test, and the long-run relationships among the variables are validated using the Westerlund residual cointegration tests. The results from the PMG-ARDL estimator show that renewable energy consumption, technological advancement, and export diversification have a significant and positive impact on economic expansion, confirming the validity of the endogenous growth model in the E-7 countries. The control variable of the financial sector has a positive but insignificant effect on economic growth, while trade openness has a negative and significant effect. The DHC test results indicate a neutral feedback effect of renewable energy consumption on economic growth. The findings also reveal a unidirectional causal relationship between technological innovation and economic growth. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights for economic policymakers in the E-7 countries. By removing barriers to renewable energy consumption, technological innovation, and export diversification, policymakers can promote sustainable economic development.

Analysis on the relationship between coastal tourism and marine pollution: an empirical analysis of China’s 11 coastal regions

IntroductionCoastal tourism has become an important pillar of economic growth in China's coastal regions, yet no quantitative research has analyzed the relationship between coastal tourism and marine pollution.MethodsThis study, within a multivariate framework, comprehensively examines the impact of coastal tourism on marine pollution by employing various econometric techniques and focusing on four different types of marine pollutant discharges: chemical oxygen demand (COD), petroleum (PET), ammonia nitrogen (NHN), and total phosphorus (TP).Results and discussionPanel cointegration tests confirm a long-term relationship between coastal tourism and these four types of marine pollutant discharges. In the long run, coastal tourism has a significantly negative impact on COD, NHN, and TP. The results of Pooled Mean Group (PMG), Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) estimators show that for every 1% increase in coastal tourism revenue (TOUR), COD decreases by 0.734%, 0.536%, and 0.952% respectively; NHN decreases by 0.746%, 0.340%, and 1.633%; and TP decreases by 5.169%, 0.899%, and 0.334% respectively. However, the impact of coastal tourism on PET is not significant. The Dumitrescu-Hurlin (D-H) panel causality test results indicate different causality patterns between coastal tourism and various marine pollutant discharges. Specifically, there is a bidirectional causality between coastal tourism and COD, NHN, and a unidirectional causality between coastal tourism and PET, TP. Moreover, heterogeneity analysis reveals that coastal tourism does not significantly reduce all marine pollutant discharges in low-and middle-income coastal regions. Furthermore, compared to the central and southern coastal regions, the coastal tourism of northern regions has not significantly reduced marine pollution. This study can provide policymakers with references for developing coastal tourism and reducing marine pollutant discharges.

Empowering energy access: Exploring financial inclusion's impact on energy poverty in the fragile five economies

Energy poverty is a major issue that deepens economic challenges, especially in the five fragile states of Turkey, Brazil, South Africa, India, and Indonesia. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of financial inclusion on energy poverty, as removing financial barriers to energy access and utilisation is critical for sustainable development. The study hypothesizes that financial inclusion plays a decisive role in alleviating energy poverty. The study analyses the second generation panel methods such as AMG, Driscool-Kraay, and FMOLS using annual data from 2000 to 2021 and examines the causal relationships between variables using Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality test. The findings reveal that financial inclusion, low carbon technology trade, energy efficiency, economic growth, and human capital play a central role in alleviating energy poverty in these economies. On the other hand, a unidirectional causal relationship was found between financial inclusion and low carbon technology trade, human capital, energy efficiency, and energy poverty. In contrast, a bidirectional causal relationship was observed between economic growth and energy poverty. These findings provide important insights for policymakers and stakeholders; understanding the complex dynamics between financial inclusion and energy poverty can help design targeted strategies to increase energy access and promote inclusive economic development in fragile economies.

Climate change and food security causality in ECOWAS region: Do countries interdependence matter?

Studies abound on the causal relationship between climate change and food security; however, the ECOWAS sub-region, despite its unique climatic, agricultural, and socioeconomic characteristics, remains insufficiently explored. Utilizing data from 14 ECOWAS countries spanning 1986 to 2022, this study departs from earlier studies by incorporating the Dumitrescu–Hurlin Panel Causality test, the Pooled Mean Group (PMG), Common Correlated Effect Mean Group (CCEMG), Augmented Mean Group (AMG) and the Cross-Sectional Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL) technique to analyze the complex relationship between climate change and food security in the ECOWAS sub-region. Unlike the prior empirical studies, the findings reveal a robust mutual influence of climate change and food security in the ECOWAS sub-region. Furthermore, the findings reported a positive impact of climate change on food security, aided by increased cropland area and population growth. At the same time, drought incidence and erratic rainfall between July and September annually remained a severe concern in the region. However, while the conversion of forests and natural habitats into cropland in the sub-region can lead to heightened carbon emissions and reduced ecosystem services, policy recommendations advocate the need for ECOWAS sub-regional policymakers to carefully balance the benefits of food security through sustainable practices and environmental considerations to ensure long-term food security benefits.

Unveiling the synergy: How natural resources, energy prices and financial development drive the energy transition in N‐11 countries

AbstractThe energy transition (ET) is one of the major components of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7. Based on the growing recognition of the need for sustainable energy, this study aims to investigate the influence of natural resource rent, energy prices (EPs), financial development (FD), trade and economic growth on the ET from 1990 to 2021 in N‐11 countries. The study employed the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares techniques for the panel data analysis. These test findings revealed that natural resources rent, EPs, trade and economic growth are positively and significantly associated with ET. It indicates that these factors' are essential in promoting the shift towards renewable and sustainable energy sources. Whereas FD has a negative relationship with the ET, which underscores the need for targeted interventions and policy measures to address the challenges faced by financial systems. Moreover, the Pairwise Dumitrescu Hurlin panel causality test results declared the bidirectional association between natural resources and FD, economic growth and EPs and trade with all other variables. The study's outcomes suggest policy implications to promote and accelerate the ET process towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Catalyzing the carbon emission: the interplay of financial development and foreign investment in Asia-Pacific and Oceanian region

Purpose This study aims to explore the interplay between CO2 emissions, financial development (FD) and foreign direct investment (FDI) in Asia-Pacific and Oceania. It also aims to understand short- and long-term impacts, emphasizing the role of FDI, FD and FD’s moderating effect on the FDI–CO2 relationship. Design/methodology/approach Using a 21-year panel data set (2000–2020) from 44 countries, the study employs the pooled mean group-autoregressive distributed lag (PMG-ARDL) model supplemented by the Dumitrescu–Hurlin panel causality test. This method assesses the complex dynamics and offers a robust analysis of short- and long-term effects in the Asia-Pacific and Oceanian context. Findings Long-term results indicate that FDI coupled with FD and FD’s moderating effect on FDI significantly contributes to CO2 emissions. Short-term relationships are more complex and lack statistical significance. FD positively moderates the FDI–CO2 relationship in the long run. Practical implications For investors, policymakers and stakeholders in Asia-Pacific and Oceania, the study highlights the importance of considering environmental impacts in investment decisions. The insights into the role of FDI and FD help craft policies and strategies for environmental sustainability. Social implications Socially, this research emphasizes the necessity of a balanced approach to economic development, considering the potential long-term environmental consequences. Policymakers and stakeholders may use these findings to guide discussions and actions to achieve sustainable and socially responsible development in this dynamic region. Originality/value The findings contribute original insights into the essential relationships among FDI, FD and CO2 emissions in a diverse region like Asia-Pacific, enhancing the understanding of environmental implications in regions experiencing rapid economic growth.

Contribution of hydro energy production, economic complexity and technological innovation in achieving an environmentally sustainable Asia

The impact of hydro energy production, economic complexity, urbanization, technological innovation and financial development on environmental sustainability between 1995 and 2017 is examined for a panel of thirteen Asian economies using two environmental proxies— their ecological footprint and CO2 emissions. The non-parametric Driscoll-Kraay standard error method and the Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality test are applied to the data. Our findings show that hydro energy production and technological innovation have a significant negative impact on the environment, thus promoting environmental sustainability. Economic complexity significantly lowers environmental sustainability while the non-linear effect of economic complexity favors environmental sustainability; this confirms the existence of an economic-complexity-based inverted-U-shaped environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis. Moreover, urbanization and financial development significantly decrease environmental sustainability. The results of our study confirm the feedback causality between hydro energy production and carbon dioxide emissions. We recommend expansionary policies regarding hydro energy production that are beneficial for substituting fossil fuel energy. This paves a path towards environmental sustainability in this era of global boiling.

The dynamics of financial development, environmental degradation, economic growth and population health in the Economic Community of West African States

Abstract By exploring the nexus between financial development and population health in the ECOWAS region we contribute to the debate on population health and also examine the direction of causality between population health and its determinants. We utilised a panel dataset of 11 ECOWAS nations from 1990-2019. The study used the augmented mean group (AMG) estimator to examine the long-run associations among the chosen variables. The empirical results indicate that financial development and economic growth are positive drivers of population health. The analysis also demonstrates that lower population health is associated with increased environmental degradation (CO2 emissions) in the ECOWAS region. However, regarding the country-specific analysis, the impact of the determinants of population health varied per country. The empirical estimates of the Dumitrescu Hurlin panel causality tests reveal a bidirectional causality between population health and its determinants. The empirical outcomes offer new insights for policymakers by means of financial development, environmental degradation, and income as economic tools to promote population health by guiding finance, growth, and environmental policies.

Financial Development, ICT Use, Renewable Energy Consumption and Foreign Direct Investment Impacts on Environmental Degradation in OIC Countries

This article examines the influence of financial development, ICT use, FDI and renewable energy on environmental degradation in 38 OIC countries using panel data from 2003 to 2021. For data estimation, the authors employed the CD test, slope homogeneity test, CIPS and CADF test, FGLS model, PCSE model and Dumitrescu Hurlin panel causality test. It is found that the variables have cross-sectional dependence, slope heterogeneity, heteroskedasticity, and autocorrelation in a model. The Westerlund test of cointegration also ensures the cointegration among variables in a model while panel unit root tests found the mixed integration order of variables. The FGLS model shows that FD and renewable energy consumption negatively and significantly influence CO2 emissions in OIC countries. The outcomes also show that the use of ICT and FDI inflows in OIC countries are positively related to CO2 emissions. The PCSEs model is used as a robustness estimation technique which also confirms the estimates of the FGLS model. The authors suggested that financial development should be promoted to finance green energy projects, design regulatory policies to prevent polluted technology from the FDI inflows and to prevent the harmful effects of ICT on the environment, the use of green energy resources in ICT use should be promoted.

The Impacts of Financial Market, Trade and Economic Policy Uncertainties on the Import Performance of Advanced Economies

This study aims to examine the long-term and short-term diverse effects of economic policy uncertainty, trade policy uncertainty, and financial market uncertainties on the import performance of advanced economies. It employs the Pooled mean group autoregressive distributed lag (PMG/ARDL) method for the panel of 27 advanced economies using quarterly data from the first quarter of 1996 to the fourth quarter of 2020. The study's results reveal that local and global economic and trade policy uncertainties have significant adverse long-term effects on the import performance of advanced economies. Besides, financial market uncertainties negatively impact advanced economies’ imports in the long run. Nonetheless, the results imply that domestic economic and trade policy uncertainties positively affect imports in the short run. Moreover, the Dumitrescu-Hurlin (D-H) panel causality test indicated that bidirectional causality exists between financial market and trade policy uncertainty indicators and imports. However, unidirectional causality exists between economic policy indicators and imports. The results are consistent across different sensitivity analyses. Based on these findings, we propose policy implications to control economic, trade and financial market uncertainties and thereby alleviating their impact on the import performance of advanced economies.

Exploring the Dynamic Relationships between Agricultural Production and Environmental Pollution: Evidence from a GMM-SYS Model in the Three Seas Initiative (3SI)

The Three Seas Initiative (3SI) is still an under-researched area and is particularly important due to historical circumstances and economic backwardness. A study was carried out to assess the impact of renewable energy and production made by the agricultural sector on CO2 emissions in 3SI countries between 2008 and 2020. The study used panel data analysis based on the two-step system’s generalized method of moments (GMM) and the Dumitrescu–Hurlin panel causality test. The results show that a 1% increase in the value added generated by agriculture increased CO2 emissions in the countries studied by 0.11%. In contrast, a 1% increase in GDP led to a 0.29% increase in CO2 emissions. Conversely, when renewable energy consumption increased by 1%, CO2 emissions fell by 0.25% in the countries studied. One way to reduce CO2 emissions from agricultural production in the short term is to increase the share of renewables, which incidentally is in line with EU action.

Determinant on Economic Growth in Developing Country: A Special Case Regarding Turkey and Bangladesh

AbstractThis study delves into the complex interplay between gross domestic product (GDP) and key macroeconomic indicators in the contexts of Turkey and Bangladesh. By examining panel data spanning from 1981 to 2020 sourced from the World Bank, we investigate the causal relationships between GDP growth and various factors including population growth, inflation, literacy rate, natural resource utilization, investment, and foreign direct investment (FDI). Our research aims to address critical questions regarding the economic trajectories of these two emerging economies. Specifically, we seek to understand how different macroeconomic variables influence GDP growth in Bangladesh and Turkey, while also exploring the unique socio-economic landscapes of these nations. Methodologically, we employ the Dumitrescu–Hurlin panel causality test to analyze the causal relationships between GDP growth and the aforementioned macroeconomic indicators. Our findings reveal direct, statistically significant associations between GDP growth and these variables, with population growth emerging as a particularly influential factor. The implications of our study extend beyond empirical observations, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to foster sustainable economic development in both Bangladesh and Turkey. By identifying the key drivers of GDP growth and their impact on economic performance, our research contributes to the existing body of literature on economic development in emerging economies. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the intricate dynamics of GDP growth in Turkey and Bangladesh, highlighting the importance of understanding and leveraging macroeconomic indicators to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth in these nations.

Impact of economic growth and financial development on renewable energy use in selected oil-exporting countries

The aim of this study is to explore the influence of economic growth and financial development on renewable energy consumption. For the purpose of analysis, this investigation uses annual data on renewable energy consumption, economic growth, financial development, consumer price index, domestic investment, and foreign direct investment for 13 major oil-exporting countries, including Algeria, Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Congo, Republic of Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Malaysia, Sudan, and Russia, during the period 1990-2020. The study employs the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) method and Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality test to conduct the empirical analysis. The Hausman test determines the PMG estimator as the most suitable among the Mean Group (MG), Dynamic Fixed Effect (DFE), and PMG estimators. This research shows that economic growth and financial development have a positive and significant long-term impact on renewable energy consumption. This suggests that as the economy grows and financial systems develop, there is a potential for an increase in the use of renewable energy. The Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality test and the panel dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) method support these findings. From a policy standpoint, promoting economic growth and financial development could lead to greater use of renewable energy and contribute to sustainable development in oil-exporting countries.

Combining the role of urbanization and renewable energy in sustainable development: testing the EKC hypothesis for Africa.

The pressing necessity to curb greenhouse gas emissions due to climate change has sparked significant scientific interest in comprehending the factors behind CO2 emissions, particularly concerning environmental sustainability challenges. Nonetheless, there exists a notable gap in our understanding of how the process of urbanization interacts with the utilization of renewable energy to impact CO2 emissions. This research endeavor seeks to evaluate the complex interplay among urbanization, renewable energy, and CO2 emissions across 46 African nations spanning from 1990 to 2019. To accomplish this objective, a variety of econometric methodologies are employed, including Driscoll-Kraay standard errors, IV-GMM, and method of moments quantile regression (MMQR) panel estimations to address issues like cross-sectional dependencies, endogeneity, heterogeneity, and panel Granger causality examination. The empirical results suggest that urbanization leads to an increase in CO2 emissions, whereas the consumption of renewable energy plays a role in enhancing environmental quality by reducing CO2 emissions. A significant outcome of the study is the revelation that a combination of urbanization and renewable energy leads to a decrease in carbon emissions. Moreover, the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis is validated. Lastly, through the Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality test, it is uncovered that urbanization and renewable energy consumption exhibit a bidirectional relationship with CO2 emissions. To reduce dependence on fossil fuels and curb CO2 emissions, policymakers should promote renewable energy usage in urban areas.

Can International Business Perspective Measure Sustainable Development of BRICS Countries? A Panel Data Analysis

The level of international business is highly dependent on the numerous macroeconomic and sustainable development factors that play their respective roles in defining a developing nation's economic progress. While examining the long-term growth of an economy, the consistency of the performance of the various elements in terms of their sustainability is a crucial matter to investigate. Moreover, it is known that the sustainable development of an economy is strongly associated with environmental impacts. Finally, the focus on new development patterns must be the highest concern for emerging economies. Considering this, the current study speculates on the relationship between foreign direct investment and the interaction effect of carbon emissions and poverty with control variables such as per capita income and education in BRICS economies. It concentrates on panel data ranging from 1993 to 2019 to explore the association among the said variables. It identifies the unique and definite macroeconomic parameters that are crucial for encouraging foreign direct investment in different countries. Applying the Panel Auto Regressive Distributed Lag Model, the study finds a positive interaction effect between carbon emissions and poverty that focuses on improving foreign direct investment in the long run. In the short run, an increase in per capita income always proves that BRICS will demonstrate less dependence on FDI net flows. The study also concentrates on the unit root measurement of the data by applying Panel Unit Root Test. Finally, to check the direction of causality, Pairwise Dumitrescu Hurlin Panel Causality Tests have been performed. The most recent update from these countries demonstrates that the strategy for achieving future sustainable economic growth is clear and swift. Hence, it emphasises the requirement of separate and exclusive policy-making to promote long-term sustainable economic growth in BRICS.

Trade openness, poverty, and sustainable development: Testing for causality using Dumitrescu-Hurlin approach

Purpose — This research paper explores the causal links between trade openness, poverty, and sustainable development, shedding light on the potential impact of trade policies on poverty reduction and sustainable development in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region.Method — We utilize the Dumitrescu-Hurlin (DH) panel causality test, a robust econometric approach capable of discerning the direction and magnitude of causal relationships among variables. We employ a comprehensive dataset spanning from 1986 to 2020, covering ECOWAS countries, to conduct a rigorous empirical analysis.Result — The empirical findings from the DH causality analysis reveal a unidirectional relationship between trade openness, human capital investment, and both sustainable development and poverty. Additionally, bidirectional causality relationships are observed between human capital investment and poverty. The results also highlight the absence of a consistent and uniform pattern of Granger causality between poverty and sustainability across individual West African economies. This heterogeneity underscores the need for customized policy approaches based on empirical evidence derived from country-specific causality analyses, rather than adopting one-size-fits-all solutions.Novelty — This research stands out by exploring the causal connections among trade openness, poverty, and sustainable development within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region. The adoption of the Dumitrescu-Hurlin (DH) panel causality test enhances the empirical analysis, offering a comprehensive understanding of both the direction and magnitude of these relationships.