ICT and trade competitiveness in West Africa: the mediating role of revealed comparative advantage in the non-alcoholic beverage sector
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study examines the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) and revealed comparative advantage (RCA) on non-alcoholic trade in West Africa. The study considered data from 1995 to 2023 for 15 West African countries. It utilised the pooled mean group estimator, capturing ICT from three standpoints: internet penetration, mobile phone subscriptions and fixed telephone subscriptions. The findings indicate that internet penetration and mobile phone subscriptions lead to a significant rise in non-alcoholic beverage exports in West Africa, with increases of 27.3% and 37.3%, respectively, while fixed telephone subscriptions result in a 17.9% decrease in exports. Internet penetration increases non-alcoholic beverage imports by 27.6%. The interaction between ICT variables and RCA enhances export performance, with the strongest impact observed with internet penetration, yielding increases of up to 88.9% in exports when combined with RCA. The results suggest that enhancing internet and mobile connectivity can significantly boost non-alcoholic beverage exports in West Africa. Thus, it is advisable to prioritise ICT infrastructure development and support initiatives that leverage technology to improve competitiveness and trade efficiency in the sector.
Source: Future Business Journal
Institutions: Air Force Institute of Technology Kaduna, Baze University
Language: English
Subfield: Strategy and Management
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410134804