Title: ICT investments, human capital development and institutions in ECOWAS

Authors: Jeremiah O. Ejemeyovwi; Evans S. Osabuohien; Romanus Osabohien

Addresses: Department of Economics and Development Studies, College of Business and Social Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria ' Department of Economics and Development Studies, College of Business and Social Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria ' Department of Economics and Development Studies, College of Business and Social Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria

Abstract: The study explores the linkage between the investment in information and telecommunication technology (ICT) and human capital development on economic transformation in Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS). It further examines how investment in ICT and human capital development can transform the economies of ECOWAS members. This study engaged the generalised method of moments (GMM) in achieving its objective. The findings, among others, showed that investment in ICT did not have a statistically significant relationship with human development. Factors responsible for the non-significant impact of investment in telecommunications on human development could be attributed to the relatively low investment in telecommunications accompanied with high cost of acquisition of the technology in ECOWAS and harsh policy environment. Thus, policies such as the enforcement of good institutions, stabilisation of the political and economic variables in ECOWAS economies will encourage investment in telecommunications, which will enhance ICT adoption and human development.

Keywords: development; Economic Communities of West African States; ECOWAS; economic transformation; human capital; investment in ICT; trade.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEBR.2018.092151

International Journal of Economics and Business Research, 2018 Vol.15 No.4, pp.463 - 474

Received: 15 Jul 2017
Accepted: 09 Sep 2017
Published online: 05 Jun 2018 *

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