The determinants of public debt in the Gambia: Estimates using the autoregressive redistributed lag (ARDL) bound cointegration technique

The main objective of this paper is to examine the key determinants public debt in Gambia. To achieve objective, Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARD) method was employed impact short-run and long-run selected macroeconomic variables as well a government effectiveness variable determining level Gambia during period 2000 2019. results reveal that trade openness gross fixed capital formation have an increasing on Gambia’s long-run. On other hand, GDP growth, official exchange rate, been found decreasing effects levels However, none show significant relationship with short-run. Given these findings, it recommended for Government improve country’s governance effectiveness, particular, weak institutions be one drivers   Key words: Public debt, sustainability, Auto Regressive Distributive (ARDL), growth.