Africa’s Maritime Powerhouses: The Continent’s Leading Ports Reshaping Global Trade
Mombasa port ranked second most efficient facility in Africa. (Photo/ Courtesy)
By Andrew Mwangura
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
As Africa continues to cement its position in the global economy, its port infrastructure has become increasingly critical to the continent’s economic prosperity.
Recent data from the World Bank and S&P Global’s Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) highlights remarkable progress among Africa’s leading ports, with several facilities demonstrating world-class efficiency and capacity.
Mombasa’s Milestone Achievement
Kenya’s Port of Mombasa has reached a significant milestone in 2024, handling over two million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) for the first time.
This achievement, which came four years ahead of its 2028 target, signals Mombasa’s growing prominence in global maritime trade.
The port’s impressive performance reflects years of strategic investments in infrastructure, operational efficiency improvements, and enhanced connectivity.
Africa’s Top Maritime Gateways
While comprehensive data for all African ports in 2024 is still being compiled, the continent’s leading ports by container volume typically include:
1. Tanger Med (Morocco) – Africa’s largest container port
2. Port Said (Egypt)
3. Durban (South Africa)
4. Mombasa (Kenya)
5. Tema (Ghana)
6. Lagos (Nigeria)
7. Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)
8. Djibouti (Djibouti)
9. Alexandria (Egypt)
10. Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
Continental Standouts: Tanger Med and Durban
The Port of Tanger Med in Morocco and the Port of Durban in South Africa represent Africa’s premier maritime facilities. Tanger Med has positioned itself as a global transshipment hub, handling approximately 7.6 million TEUs annually.
The facility processes well over 100 million tons of total cargo through its various terminals and serves more than 4,500 vessels yearly with a combined gross tonnage exceeding 250 million tons.
Durban, South Africa’s largest port, handles approximately 4.5 million TEUs annually with total cargo throughput approaching 80 million tons.
The port welcomes roughly 3,800 vessels annually with a combined gross tonnage of approximately 200 million tons. Its strategic location on the eastern coast of South Africa makes it the gateway to the southern African hinterland.
Bridging the Gap: Lessons for Mombasa and Lamu
For Mombasa and the newer Lamu port to reach the operational excellence of Tanger Med and Durban, several strategic initiatives are necessary:
1. Infrastructure Development : Continued investment in modern facilities, deeper drafts to accommodate larger vessels, and expanded container handling capacity.
2. Digital Transformation : Implementation of advanced port management systems and digital solutions to optimize operations, reduce dwell times, and enhance overall efficiency.
3. Multimodal Connectivity : Strengthening rail, road, and inland waterway connections to expand the ports’ catchment areas and facilitate seamless cargo movement.
4. Green Port Initiatives : Adopting sustainable practices and technologies to reduce environmental impact and align with global shipping’s decarbonization trends.
5. Strategic Partnerships : Fostering collaborations with global shipping lines, terminal operators, and logistics providers to increase route connectivity and service offerings.
Mombasa’s Strategic Importance
The Port of Mombasa’s strategic significance extends far beyond Kenya’s borders. As the principal gateway to East Africa, it serves a vast hinterland including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The port’s continued growth will:
– Facilitate increased intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA);
– Attract manufacturing investment by providing reliable access to global markets;
– Generate substantial employment opportunities throughout the logistics value chain; and
– Strengthen Kenya’s position as East Africa’s commercial and logistics hub
Looking Ahead
Africa’s port landscape is evolving rapidly, with substantial investments flowing into both established facilities and greenfield developments.
The continent’s leading ports are increasingly adopting global best practices, investing in modern infrastructure, and implementing digital solutions to enhance competitiveness.
As global supply chains continue to reconfigure, Africa’s premier ports are well-positioned to capture a larger share of international maritime trade. Their success will be instrumental in accelerating economic development, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods across the continent.
For Kenya specifically, the continued development of Mombasa and Lamu ports represents a strategic imperative that will shape the country’s economic trajectory for decades to come.
With thoughtful planning and decisive implementation, these facilities can ascend to the ranks of Africa’s — and indeed the world’s — leading maritime gateways.
The writer is a Maritime Affairs Analyst.
