Impact of Multilateral and Technical Aid on Poverty Reduction in ECOWAS Countries

This study investigates the impact of multilateral aid and technical aid on poverty reduction in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over the period 2000–2024 An ex post facto research design was adopted, using panel data from fifteen ECOWAS countries sourced from the World Bank (WDI), OECD-DAC, UNDP, and ECOWAS Statistical Bulletin. The data were analyzed using Fixed and Random Effects panel regression models, The findings revealed that both multilateral aid and technical aid exert a significant negative effect on poverty, The study concludes that although foreign aid has contributed meaningfully to poverty reduction in ECOWAS, its impact depends critically on governance quality, institutional capacity, and macroeconomic stability. The results align partially with Dependency Theory, which cautions that aid can reinforce economic dependency if not domestically integrated into national development strategies. The study recommends strengthening governance structures, improving aid coordination within ECOWAS, promoting economic diversification, and enhancing domestic resource mobilization to reduce long-term aid dependence.

Multilateral Aid, Technical Aid, Poverty Reduction

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