Comparative analysis of container ports performance in West Africa

Abstract Maritime transport is crucial for global trade and economic development: port efficiency and productivity boost trade competitiveness and growth. Improving port efficiency speeds the transportation of goods and reduces logistics costs and delays. West African ports have recently handled more containers, indicating their growing significance in global trade. Despite this expansion, West African ports need to enhance their performance. This article applies the DEA-SBM model and Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) to six West African (Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, and Senegal) ports from 2010 to 2022 to evaluate operational efficiency and productivity. The DEA-SBM model reveals that Tema (Ghana), Lome (Togo), and Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) ports have optimal efficiency at different periods, unlike Apapa (Nigeria), Cotonou (Benin Republic), and Dakar (Senegal). On average, operational efficiency scores range from 0.6 to 0.8, indicating resource overuse and inconsistency. The DEA-MPI shows that most ports have experienced improvements in total factor productivity (TFP), mainly due to technological and efficiency advancements. Ports such as Tema, Cotonou, and Apapa have shown significant increases in TFP, while others, like Abidjan, have seen declines. While some ports have grown slowly, overall development is crucial. This study recommends strategic planning and collaboration between port management bodies and governments to preserve efficiency and productivity, including setting practical requirements.