The Determinants of the Efficiency of Ivorian Commercial Banks: A Study Using the Non-Parametric Approach

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the determinants of banking efficiency in Côte d'Ivoire. To achieve this objective, we used annual data covering the period from 2004 to 2017, for fifteen Ivorian banks. Methodologically, we first used the non-parametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) method to determine the efficiency scores. The results show that Ivorian banks are technically inefficient. Second, we used a Tobit model to identify the determinants of bank efficiency. The Tobit regression identifies return on equity, regulatory capital, size, and credit as the main determinants of the technical efficiency of Ivorian banks. In addition, bank liquidity and ownership, GDP growth rate, and inflation are sources of inefficiency in Ivorian banks. The study recommends that banks manage their resources rationally to finance the economy efficiently. At the level of the monetary authorities, they should ensure that banks apply regulatory standards.