Investigating the role of digital technologies in sustainable logistics management: case study of logistics service providers in ECOWAS countries

Logistics sustainability is becoming an increasingly important research area. This expanding importance has resulted in the requirement to develop digitalised logistics activities to meet the needs of logistics companies, policymakers, and logistics service providers (LSPs). This study aims to explore the scope for digital technologies for building a sustainable logistics management system. The empirical study collected primary data from 459 respondents based at LSPs in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The study employs maximum likelihood-structural equation modelling (ML-SEM) to investigate from the perspective of LSPs, the relationship between digital technologies, the triple bottom line sustainability aspects (i.e., environmental, social, economic), and sustainable logistics management. The findings reveal that digital technologies can: 1) enhance the efficiency of sustainable activities in the logistics industry; 2) have the potential to enhance sustainable activities in the environmental and social aspects. Moreover, the findings identify a strong interrelationship between the environmental, and social aspects and sustainable logistics management. However, the results revealed a non-significant interconnection between digital technologies, economic sustainability, and sustainable logistics management. This study contributes to the growing literature about sustainability in different industries, specifically in ECOWAS countries' logistics industry.