Challenging the hypothesis of oriented connectivity in West Africa: Containerization and changes in intra-regional connectivity

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.