PurposeThis paper examines the impact of regional and non-regional trade on economic growth using annual data from Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member countries for the period 2007 to 2017.Design/methodology/approachTrade data were decomposed into regional (trade among ECOWAS Member States) and non-regional (trade between ECOWAS Member States and the rest of the world). We used the dynamic system GMM to estimate the models and introduced exchange rate, unemployment rate, population growth and gross capital formation as controlled variables.FindingsThe results revealed that the estimated coefficient of ECOWAS regional trade is statistically significant and positive in predicting growth, while the non-regional trade coefficient is negative and not statistically significant in predicting growth. Other predictors of growth introduced into the model as controlled variables, such as exchange rate, unemployment rate, population growth and gross capital formation, displayed mixed results. More importantly, population growth, unemployment and exchange rate depreciation hurt economic growth, while gross capital formation promotes economic growth.Practical implicationsThe findings provide strong support in favour of the Krugman (1991) hypothesis that regional trade agreements (RTAs) are a better alternative to global trade.Originality/valueOur decision to disaggregate ECOWAS trade is unique and influenced largely by the objective of the study, which is to establish the type of ECOWAS trade that is a good predictor of growth. The evidence from our findings support the theory that RTAs are a better catalyst to economic growth.

Implementation of Illiteracy Eradication Program in Katoi Sub-District, North Kolaka District, under the guidance of Dr. Azhari, S.STP., M.Si as the supervisor I and Mr. Arafat Yasir, S.Pd.I., M.Si As mentor II. This study aimed to find and describe Implementation of Illiteracy Eradication Program in Katoi District North Kolaka, Indonesia. This research was a research with descriptive qualitative type, informant in this research as many as fifteen people. Data collection techniques were direct observation and direct interview. As for data analysis used Data Reduction, Data Presentation, and Drawing Conclusion. The results of this study indicated that the funds from the government were insufficient for the implementation of this Illiteracy Eradication program. The target of the Illiteracy Eradication program was in line with its objectives. Residents of learning who follow this illiteracy eradication program had been in accordance with the targets set by the implementer of Literacy Eradication program. While the selection of tutors and organizers should not be absolutely appropriate to the criteria established by the government. The election took precedence that had a high social spirit and willing to serve for the community, this was related to the implementation of illiteracy programs that were non-formal.

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