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ICT and trade competitiveness in West Africa: the mediating role of revealed comparative advantage in the non-alcoholic beverage sector

Author

Listed:
  • Nnanna P. Azu

    (Air Force Institute of Technology)

  • Aburime Ehimare

    (Baze University)

  • Hassan P. Abdullahi

    (Air Force Institute of Technology)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Nnanna P. Azu & Aburime Ehimare & Hassan P. Abdullahi, 2025. "ICT and trade competitiveness in West Africa: the mediating role of revealed comparative advantage in the non-alcoholic beverage sector," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:futbus:v:11:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1186_s43093-025-00535-5
    DOI: 10.1186/s43093-025-00535-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • F10 - International Economics - - Trade - - - General
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General

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