Trade and Economic Development in Africa: The Interaction Between Logistics and Global Value Chains

Abstract

With the development and advancement of integrated logistics and supply chain frameworks and the untapped potential for trade in Africa, there is a need for a critical appraisal of the significant roles of logistics and global value chains (GVCs) and the relationships between the two concepts. This book sets out to examine how the demand and supply dimensions of supply chain architecture interact with the economic concept of the GVC. Apprehending the inter-connectedness between supply chains/logistics and global value chains is critical to ensure a clear understanding of business and of the factors that enhance or hinder trade in Africa.

The book fills a significant gap in the trade literature on Africa by providing a comprehensive explanation of the relevance of logistics and GVCs to trade on the continent. It combines these two related but distinct areas of study and takes the reader through a structured and logical development of knowledge relating to these issues, backed up by extensive coverage of recent trends in African trade. A strength of the book is that the sections build on each other. It can thus be read on a section-by-section basis, and the reader is assisted by pertinent and up-to-date references on the many different topics covered.