Port Capacity, Vessel Turnaround Time and Merchandise Trade in Selected African Countries: Evidence from Panel Data

Abstract

This study investigated port capacity, vessel turnaround time and merchandise trade in selected African countries: Evidence from panel data. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of port vessel capacity of deep seaports on the merchandise trade volume; assess the effect of vessel turnaround time of deep seaports on the merchandise trade volume, and establish the joint effect of the port vessel capacity and vessel turnaround time of deep seaports on the merchandise trade volume of selected African countries. Panel-data study research design was adopted. Secondary data from statistical bulletins in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Morocco, South Africa and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development from 2000 - 2026 were collected. The data were analysed using Pooled panel regression method after establishing the results through Hausmann specification testing. The findings revealed that port vessel capacity and vessel turnaround time each have statistically significant effect on merchandise trade volume of the selected African countries; and port vessel capacity and vessel turnaround times have a statistically significant joint effect on merchandise trade volume of the selected African countries. The study concluded that deep-seaport expansion can facilitate the economic growth of African countries. It was recommended, among others, that African countries government should accelerate deep seaports infrastructural development through increased capital investments and automation of port clearance systems in African ports. This study underscores the critical need to adapt contemporary Management and Business Education curricula to meet the practical realities of African maritime trade and regional port operations.