Geopolitical and competition analysis: The case of Western African ports and the port of Las Palmas in the mid-Atlantic European Islands

Abstract

This article examines the factors shaping the competitiveness of container shipping in the Western African port region, focusing on the Port of Las Palmas (LPAP). Serving as a case study of an island region, the research identifies strategies to enhance the port's competitive position by analyzing insights from regional agents and enterprises. Using Porter's extended diamond model and two analytical approaches—Traditional and Weighted—this study highlights the critical influence of the European Union (EU) and other supranational entities on competitive (dis)advantages, particularly in manufacturing, where environmental regulations challenge shipping operations. While external competition benefits road transport and storage facilities, it constrains value-added services. Infrastructure development shows mixed results, with port authority governance emerging as a major limitation due to spatial constraints for business expansion. Key policy recommendations include incentivizing green technology adoption and EU regulatory compliance, fostering public-private partnerships to enhance governance and attract investment, and diversifying operations with value-added services, such as manufacturing and efficient customs processes. Strengthening regional integration through collaboration between West African ports and the Canary Islands, aligned with EU and ECOWAS policies, alongside improving port-to-land transportation links, is essential for enhancing the LPAP's competitiveness.