Determinants of export performance in East Africa countries

The main objectives of this study is to identify and analyze variables which have impact on export performances of seven East Africa countries and suggest possible solutions to remedy the problem of poor export performance in East Africa. In this study, using data base from World Development Indicators along with seven East Africa countries for the period 1990- 2014 were conducted in a panel data analysis. Empirical results shows that labor force, industrialization, foreign direct investment, and exchange rate has positive impact on export value but inflation has negative impact on export performance and GDPG is the only variable that does not affect the exportation value of east Africa countries. Finally, we suggest some recommendations, including the need of replacing agricultural exports by the industrial export, improving infrastructural facility such as transportation system, supply electricity, gas and water. As well as the governments should allocate additional funding to improve quality of human capital and the need of policies for attracting international investors. Key words: Export Performance, East Africa, Panel Data Analysis, International Trade