THE TRANS-AFRICA HIGHWAY NETWORK: AN EXAMINATION OF THE IMPACT OF INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT CORRIDORS ON FOSTERING TRADE AND STIMULATING ECONOMIC GROWTH IN AFRICA

Abstract

This article examines the impact of the Trans-Africa Highway Network on fostering trade and stimulating economic growth in Africa. Our research analyze whether the reduction in time to export and the share of transport services in commercial service exports, as facilitated by the international transport corridors, have a significant impact on the GDP of the investigated nine African countries included in Cairo – Cape Town Highway (TAH 4). Based on scientific evidence, we found that a reduction in customs procedures and an increase in the share of transport services lead to a 1.8% and 7.4% increase in overall average GDP, respectively. This study provides empirical evidence that supports the importance of international transport corridors in enhancing economic growth in Africa. Moreover, it provides policymakers with evidence-based recommendations to prioritize investments in transport infrastructure to foster trade and economic growth. The study utilized a quantitative research method and analyzed data from the nine African countries included in Cairo – Cape Town Highway (TAH 4) to obtain the results.