The impact of official development assistance on educational outcomes in selected countries of the MENA region

Official Development Assistance can be effective on the education index and its outcomes, the Mean Years of Schooling in adults (people 25 years and older) and the Expected Years of Schooling in children (when entering school). Democracy in countries can positively affect the education index and its variables. A country with a better Democracy can create a suitable environment for the education of all members of society. In this regard, this study examines the impact of Official Development Assistance on educational outcomes, including the Mean Years of Schooling and Expected years of Schooling in selected upper-middle income countries of MENA with emphasis on Democracy from 2001 to 2020 and using panel data method. Empirical results indicate that Official Development Assistance per capita, Gross National Income per capita, health expenditure, and population growth rate have significantly increased educational outcomes. The Government Effectiveness Index has a positive effect on educational outcomes, while Voice and Accountability Index (as an indicator of democracy) has negatively influenced the educational outcomes.