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on Africa |
| By: | David Guerrero (AME-SPLOTT - Systèmes Productifs, Logistique, Organisation des Transports et Travail - Université Gustave Eiffel) |
| Abstract: | Since the 2000s, maritime connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa has undergone significant transformations, largely driven by the advent and expansion of containerization. Previous works have shown that containerization have both increased the number and variety of connections with other regions. However, its impact on intra-regional connectivity remains an open question. While numerous scholars have emphasized the enhanced connectivity of African ports with foreign regions like Europe and Asia, there is still considerable debate regarding the extent to which this process has also strengthened maritime links among African countries themselves. This paper explores the evolution of maritime connectivity in West Africa by analyzing vessel movements over the 2006-2016 period. To capture the nuances of maritime connectivity across different phases of containerization, we investigate networks involving container vessels. Drawing on data on vessel movements from Lloyd's database, this study critically examines the structural dynamics of maritime networks to assess whether containerization has facilitated greater intra-regional connectivity or primarily reinforced West Africa's connections with external regions. |
| Keywords: | Containerization, Africa, shipping networks, connectivity, liner competition |
| Date: | 2026–03–31 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05657863 |
| By: | Demir, Cansu; Mayda, Anna Maria; Maystadt, Jean-Francois |
| Abstract: | The political impact of refugees is largely unknown in low-income countries, although these destinations host the majority of forcibly displaced people, and more specifically refugees. We exploit yearly variation in the number of refugees in refugee camps and election data at the sub-national level in 16 African countries in 2000-2016. The estimates show that the arrival of refugees increases local support to the national incumbent and reduces political competition, but only when hosting countries implement inclusive policies towards refugees. Inclusive policies play a crucial role also when we estimate the impact of refugees on: individual-level satisfaction with the government and with provision of local public goods (education, health care and infrastructure), in the Afrobarometer; and local economic activity, using night light data. |
| Keywords: | Refugees; Africa |
| JEL: | O15 I15 |
| Date: | 2026–05 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:21437 |
| By: | Amin, Mohammad; Rodriguez Cuniolo, Eugenia Aurora |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the impact of informal competition—defined as competition faced by formal firms from informal enterprises—on the firm-provided worker training among formal manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises. Using a representative dataset of small and medium-sized manufacturing firms in 23 Sub-Saharan African countries, a sizable negative impact is found. A one-standard-deviation increase in informal competition reduces the probability that a firm offers training to its workers by 8.7 to 12.9 percentage points, relative to the sample mean of firms that offer training of approximately 25 percent. Comparable declines are observed in the share of workers receiving training. To address potential endogeneity, the paper employs several complementary strategies. First, an instrumental-variables strategy leverages variation in the number of children aged 0–4 and 5–9 years per working-age woman to generate exogenous shifts in informal competition. Second, heterogeneity is examined through tests derived from the “legalist” view of informality, which predicts bigger adverse effects of informal competition in environments characterized by a weaker rule of law and more stringent business regulations. Third, information about firms in other world regions is used to construct out-of-sample predictions of informal competition at the sector level. The findings sugge st that informal competition is a substantial constraint on the training investments of formal firms, underscoring the need for policy responses that mitigate its adverse consequences. |
| Date: | 2026–06–29 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:11420 |
| By: | Koffi Zougbédé; Alban Mas Aparisi; Rebecca Gramiscelli-Hasparyk; Jill Bouscarat; Philipp Heinrigs |
| Abstract: | This paper provides new evidence on private sector perceptions on intra-regional food trade in West Africa, drawing on a survey of more than 3 200 food traders operating across 32 markets in eight countries. The dataset allows for a differentiated analysis by business size, gender, country and product specialisation. The findings reveal an extensive, economically significant, and market-driven sector, though it remains predominantly informal. While over 80% of traders are unregistered, the median trader has an average monthly turnover of USD 13 289 and employs five workers. Traders respond strongly to market signals, such as price differentials and demand patterns, and more than half (56%) trade with non-neighbouring countries. Overall, 62% of traders report a positive business outlook for the next five years, with variations across countries and food products. The main constraints identified extend beyond border procedures and include limited access to finance, insecurity, and inadequate transport and market infrastructure. This analysis points to a strong but under-leveraged market dynamic and underscores the need for better-adapted policies to unlock the potential of intra-regional food trade. |
| Keywords: | Africa, food systems, intra‑regional food trade, private sector, SMEs, trade, West Africa |
| JEL: | F13 J46 L26 Q17 R12 |
| Date: | 2026–07–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:swacaa:52-en |