The Influence of Port Characteristics on the Operational Performance of Sea Ports in Africa

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the influence of organizational characteristics on the performance of seaports in Africa. The study replicates previous studies carried out in the European context by Caldeirinha et al. (2011) and Felicio et al. (2013; 2015). This study adopted a positivist research philosophy with a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data from executives at 54 container-handling seaport terminals in Africa. Of these, only 46 seaport terminals responded, with a response rate of 83.6%. The questionnaires conceptualized six port characteristics: location, size, infrastructure, information and communications technology, hinterland connectivity, and maritime connectivity. Model fitness was confirmed by the use of the Standardized Mean Root Square Residual (SRMR) and Normed Fit Index (NFI). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using Smart PLS 4.1.1 was used for both the measurement model and structural analyses. The findings established a positive and significant influence of port characteristics on the operational performance of seaports in Africa. The study also found that the strongest seaport characteristics for operational performance, in order of importance, are infrastructure, information and communications technology, strategic location, maritime services, hinterland connectivity, and size. The findings imply that for African seaports to improve their operational performance, they need to focus on developing port infrastructure, ICT, and an excellent strategic location.