Exploring the logistical Implications of the exit of Burkina Faso Mali and Niger from ECOWAS in the lenses of the Heckscher – Ohlin trade theory

The study employed the Heckscher-Ohlin theory to explore the potential logistical impacts on ECOWAS bloc following the intended exit of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. An explorative qualitative design was adopted. Data were gathered from news websites, articles, reports of international trade and logistics organisations and analysed using Atlas.ti, focusing on logistical cost, flow and schedules. The findings indicated that the departure would significantly impact costs as taxes and tariffs would be reintroduced. The high costs would affect both parties, with the contending countries experiencing more severe consequences, due to their reliance on the remaining members for imports and exports. Logistical flow would be disrupted, hindering the previously seamless movement of goods and persons. The imposition of travel requirements would further impede logistical freedom, resulting in delays. Stakeholders should devise strategies through bilateral agreements to maintain supply chains efficiency focusing on mitigating logistical disruptions due to reintroduction of barriers and restrictions. 

The study employed the Heckscher-Ohlin theory to explore the potential logistical impacts on ECOWAS bloc following the intended exit of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. An explorative qualitative design was adopted. Data were gathered from news websites, articles, reports of international trade and logistics organisations and analysed using Atlas.ti, focusing on logistical cost, flow and schedules. The findings indicated that the departure would significantly impact costs as taxes and tariffs would be reintroduced. The high costs would affect both parties, with the contending countries experiencing more severe consequences, due to their reliance on the remaining members for imports and exports. Logistical flow would be disrupted, hindering the previously seamless movement of goods and persons. The imposition of travel requirements would further impede logistical freedom, resulting in delays. Stakeholders should devise strategies through bilateral agreements to maintain supply chains efficiency focusing on mitigating logistical disruptions due to reintroduction of barriers and restrictions.