Africa hosts several countries with highly valuable seaports that are pivotal to both continental and global trade. These ports are assessed based on factors such as container throughput, infrastructure quality, strategic location, and overall efficiency. Here are some of the top-performing seaports in Africa:
Morocco – Port of Tanger-Med
- Global Ranking: 4th (World Bank CPPI)
- Highlights: Tanger-Med is Africa’s largest port, with a handling capacity of 9 million TEUs. It serves as a crucial gateway between Africa, Europe, and the Americas, featuring state-of-the-art facilities.
Egypt – Port Said & Port of Alexandria
- Port Said Global Ranking: 16th
- Highlights: Port Said is strategically located at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal, making it a vital junction for vessels between the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. The Port of Alexandria is Egypt’s main port, handling a significant portion of the country’s international trade.
South Africa – Port of Durban
- Highlights: Durban is the busiest port in Africa, handling approximately 60% of South Africa’s trade revenue. It connects to major global trade routes, including the Far East, Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.
Nigeria – Port of Lagos (Apapa & Tin Can Island)
- Highlights: Lagos Port is Nigeria’s largest and most significant port complex, comprising Apapa and Tin Can Island ports. It handles a substantial volume of the nation’s imports and exports, including oil, containers, and bulk cargo.
Kenya – Port of Mombasa
- Highlights: Mombasa is East Africa’s largest port and serves as a key hub for trade between Africa and Asia. It facilitates the import and export needs of several landlocked countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Tanzania – Port of Dar es Salaam
- Highlights: Dar es Salaam handles about 95% of Tanzania’s international trade and serves neighboring landlocked countries like Zambia, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The port is equipped to handle both dry and liquid bulk cargo.
Djibouti – Port of Djibouti
- Highlights: Strategically located on the Red Sea, the Port of Djibouti is a critical transshipment and refueling center. It serves as the primary maritime outlet for Ethiopia and hosts several international military bases, enhancing its geopolitical significance.
Somalia – Port of Berbera
- Global Ranking: 106th
- Highlights: Berbera Port has undergone significant development, including a $300 million investment by DP World. It serves as a key maritime facility for Somaliland and the broader Horn of Africa region.
Madagascar – Port of Toamasina
- Highlights: Toamasina is Madagascar’s primary port, handling approximately 90% of the country’s container traffic. It plays a vital role in connecting Madagascar to international markets.
Namibia – Port of Walvis Bay
- Highlights: Walvis Bay is Namibia’s largest commercial port, offering direct access to major shipping routes. It serves as a gateway for trade to and from landlocked countries in Southern Africa.
These ports are instrumental in facilitating trade, not only for their respective countries but also for neighboring landlocked nations.
