Economy, Business and Development: An International Journal

The impact of remittances on economic activity in the region of Central and Southeastern Europe

Mite Miteski — 2024-11-22

This research aims to investigate the impact of remittances on economic growth in Central and Southeastern Europe by employing panel unobserved effects methodology across twelve selected countries within the region (CSEE-12). Our motivation arises from the fact that these countries are among the highest recipients of private remittances in Europe, suggesting that such financial inflows could potentially have a significant influence on fostering their economic growth. The empirical findings provide evidence that remittances indeed exert a positive and significant direct effect on economic growth in the analyzed group of countries, along with some of the other standard growth factors, such as physical and human capital.

Multidimensional child poverty and its determinants: Empirical evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

Joseph Omotoso Ajayi — 2024-11-22

Poverty has been a subject of global discourse most especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where little progress has been achieved. Most literature sources regard poverty mainly as a household threat rather than one to affects the children living within the household. Thus, through a multidimensional approach, this study analyses poverty, specifically in the context of its effect on children. In carrying out this study, the General Household Survey data for Nigeria (the most populous country in sub-Saharan Africa) for 2018/2019 obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) was used. Descriptive statistics, the Multidimensional Poverty Measure, and the Tobit Regression Model were employed in this study. The results showed that there are more male children (52.17%) than females (47.83%), with most of the children falling within the middle-age group (45.51%). Less than half of the household heads were found to be literate, while the mean size of the household amounted to nine. This study found that the poverty dimension mainly affecting the research sample of Nigerian children was their deprivation in terms of sanitation, while the least significant dimension was their lack of food. Child poverty is prevalent among the three respective age groups of children, among rural dwellers (57.16%), and among residents in the northern divide of the country. The rural sector, the residents in the northeastern region of the country, and the gender of the household head were found to be significant variables influencing child poverty in Nigeria. As such, poverty reduction strategies directed towards the rural sector, the northern region, and the identified age groups of children should be of primary focus in tackling child poverty in Nigeria to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG1) - “End poverty in all its forms everywhere”.

Digital Tax Administration and Tax Compliance in Nigeria Informal Sector

Gbenga FALANA — 2024-11-29

In an era characterized by growing globalization and increased fiscal oversight, tax compliance has become a significant concern for governments, businesses, and individuals globally (Bruce-Twum, 2023). This study seeks to examine the impact of digital tax administration on tax compliance within the informal sector in the Southwest states of Nigeria. The study employed a survey research design to collect primary data using a structured questionnaire, targeting artisans, street vendors, small-scale traders, service providers, and other self-employed individuals in the Southwest States of Nigeria. These individuals typically operate outside formal tax channels. A total of 600 questionnaires were distributed, with 547 completed responses received, providing a substantial and representative sample. The study used purposive sampling to select participants with relevant characteristics for the research. To ensure the reliability of the questionnaire, a Cronbach's Alpha test was conducted. Data analysis involved both descriptive statistics (such as mean, variance, skewness, and kurtosis) and inferential statistics (including correlation and regression analysis). The regression analysis showed that both technical know-how and digital payment platforms have positive and statistically significant impacts on tax compliance within the informal sector in the Southwest states of Nigeria. The study concludes that enhancing technical skills and expanding access to digital payment platforms can significantly improve tax compliance within the informal sector in the Southwest states of Nigeria. Therefore, this study suggested that Government and relevant agencies should invest in training programs aimed at improving the technical know-how of individuals and businesses in the informal sector.