The Impact of Liner Shipping Connectivity on Economic Development: Evidence from Developing Countries in West Africa

Purpose: This paper investigates the impact on economic growth of liner shipping connectivity. Establishing an efficient logistics infrastructure plays a pivotal role in developing a national economy. Among various sub-sectors in the logistics system, a great deal of empirical evidence indicates the importance of a maritime transport infrastructure. Research design, data, and methodology: In this regard, this study examines the impact of liner shipping connectivity on gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 14 West African countries. To this end, a dataset for the period from 2006 to 2022 is analyzed in panel data regression models. Results: L iner s hipping c onnectivity i s a ssociated p ositively w ith GDP g rowth i n A frican countries. However, further analysis reveals that the positive impact of liner shipping connectivity is significant for parity in the GDP purchasing power of small-sized economies. Conclusions: The findings in this paper provide valuable implications for policy-making in the establishment of a maritime transport infrastructure and network.