Maritime networks of Africa and Asia

Abstract

This chapter explores the long-term evolution of the maritime networks of African continent with focus on Asia. Starting from the observation of historical trade statistics, we confirm that the major trading partner of Africa have always been European countries. Then, we explore the historical trends of minor intercontinental trade with America, Asia and Oceania. We find that particularly after the decolonialization of African countries, the diversifications in direction of trade have been progressed and that the share of non-European and non-intra-African trade has been increasing. Furthermore, with utilizing a unique data of container vessel movements from 1977 to 2016, we extensively show the changing and increasing connectivity of Africa and Asia.