Global container throughput continues to rise, with the top 50 ports handling over 800 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2023. The Port of Shanghai remains the world’s busiest, processing 47 million TEUs, followed by Singapore with 39 million. The expansion of the Panama and Suez Canals has further enhanced maritime efficiency, reducing transit times and bolstering global trade. According to the World Bank, port efficiency directly influences national GDP, with a 10% improvement in port operations contributing to a 3% increase in trade volume.

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Yet, global shipping faces mounting challenges, including supply chain bottlenecks and security risks. The ongoing Red Sea crisis has led to higher insurance premiums for shipping companies, while climate-induced disruptions, such as hurricanes and rising sea levels, threaten port infrastructure. These challenges underscore the urgent need for modernisation and investment in resilient port systems.

Africa’s ports are integral to the continent’s economic aspirations. They handle about 90% of Africa’s trade, moving over 500 million tonnes of cargo annually. In monetary terms, these ports facilitate trade worth over $400 billion each year, with imports constituting a significant portion of this figure. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reports that Africa’s maritime transport sector contributes roughly $100 billion to the continent’s GDP, highlighting its economic importance.

Major ports such as Durban (South Africa), Lagos (Nigeria), and Mombasa (Kenya) serve as critical gateways for both imports and exports. However, inefficiencies persist. According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), African ports experience an average dwell time of 20 days—substantially longer than the global benchmark of four days. These delays increase costs and deter investment. Infrastructure deficits exacerbate the problem, with only a handful of African ports, such as Tanger Med in Morocco and Port Said in Egypt, operating at globally competitive standards. The World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) ranks these as Africa’s top performers, yet many others struggle with outdated facilities and congestion. Additionally, port-related logistics account for up to 40% of total transport costs in Africa, compared to just 10% in developed economies.

Despite these challenges, Africa’s ports are undergoing significant transformation. Investments in port expansion and digitalisation are surging. The Lekki Deep Sea Port in Nigeria, operational since 2023, is expected to contribute $360 billion to the economy over its lifetime. Meanwhile, Kenya’s Lamu Port, part of the LAPSSET Corridor, aims to enhance regional connectivity, facilitating trade between East and Central Africa. Furthermore, expansions at Ghana’s Tema Port and Côte d’Ivoire’s Abidjan Port are boosting Africa’s competitiveness in global trade.

Sustainability and Innovation: The Future of African Ports

The future of Africa’s ports lies in modernisation and sustainability. Green port initiatives are gaining traction, with South Africa’s Transnet investing in electrification to reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, recycling and waste management efforts are improving. The Port of Durban, for example, has implemented waste-to-energy programmes that convert ship-generated waste into usable energy. According to the African Ports Environmental Report, waste management and pollution reduction are now priority areas, with initiatives focused on minimising plastic waste and improving oil spill response capabilities.

Smart port technologies, including blockchain-based cargo tracking and AI-driven logistics, are being deployed to reduce inefficiencies. The African Union’s 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS) emphasises digitalisation and security to ensure African ports remain globally competitive. With port expansion projects exceeding $50 billion in investments, Africa is on a path to transforming its maritime landscape.

A New Dawn for African Trade

Africa’s ports stand at a crossroads. While inefficiencies and infrastructure gaps persist, significant investments and reforms are underway. As global trade evolves, Africa has a golden opportunity to enhance its maritime sector, driving economic transformation. By modernising ports, adopting green initiatives, and embracing technology, the continent can solidify its position as a key player in the global trade ecosystem. With annual port-driven revenues surpassing $400 billion and continued investment in sustainability and efficiency, Africa’s maritime sector is poised to become one of the continent’s leading economic drivers in the future.

The post Africa’s Ports: Gateway to Economic Transformation appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

17 May 2024

The Director General of the Zanzibar Ports Corporation, Mr. Akif Ali Khamis has been confirmed as a speaker for the African Customs, Ports, and Maritime Leadership Roundtable Session, which will be held as a special component of the 9th ALM Africa Summit 2024. The event is scheduled to take place on 4th – 5th July 2024 at the UK House of Lords and Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Westminster, London-United Kingdom, with the theme: “Africa Unleashed – Navigating Disruptions, Enhancing Opportunities”.

The African Customs, Ports, and Maritime Leadership Roundtable Session provides a premier platform for the leadership of customs and port administrations, along with other relevant stakeholders in the maritime sector, to engage in fruitful exchanges of best practices, discuss shared challenges, and foster mutually beneficial collaborations to drive Africa’s industrialization and economic development.

Mr. Khamis, as the Director General of the Zanzibar Ports Corporation, brings extensive expertise and insights into port administration and maritime operations. Under his leadership, the Zanzibar Ports Corporation has played a pivotal role in facilitating trade and maritime activities in the region, ensuring efficient port operations, and contributing to the economic growth of Zanzibar. Mr. Khamis’s leadership has implemented various initiatives to modernize port infrastructure, optimize cargo handling processes, and improve operational efficiency. These efforts have resulted in reduced turnaround times, enhanced customer service, and increased competitiveness of Zanzibar’s ports.

Mr. Khamis’s participation in the African Customs, Ports, and Maritime Leadership Roundtable Session underscores Zanzibar’s commitment to enhancing trade facilitation, promoting efficient port operations, and driving economic development through the maritime sector. It signifies the Zanzibar Ports Corporation’s dedication to staying at the forefront of industry advancements and fostering collaboration with other stakeholders in the maritime industry.

The African Customs, Ports, and Maritime Leadership Roundtable Session, which had its maiden edition as a prestigious highlight of the African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Ceremony in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 14 March 2025, hosted by the Ethiopian Customs Commission, has gained significant recognition. Following the success of its debut, the second edition will now be held as a special component of the ALM Africa Summit – London 2024, signifying its increasing importance and global impact in shaping the future of customs, ports, and maritime management across the African continent.

The Roundtable offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage in high-level networking discussions with colleagues from across Africa and the United Kingdom. The discussions will focus specifically on harmonizing and aligning standards and procedures to minimize non-trade barriers, ensuring a conducive operational environment for trade facilitation, fostering strong synergies to reduce bottlenecks at national seaports, and enhancing the ease of doing business to facilitate efficient intra-Africa trade and trade with the rest of the world.

The ALM Africa Summit, hosted by the African Leadership Magazine since 2016, is a premier annual program that brings together policymakers, political and business leaders, diplomats, civil society leaders, thought leaders, and stakeholders from Africa, the UK, and around the world. The summit serves as a unique platform for engaging in discussions on various issues related to the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of Africa. The 9th ALM Africa Summit in 2024 aims to build upon the successes of previous editions by advancing discussions and actions towards sustainable prosperity for Africa.

About African Leadership Magazine:

African Leadership Magazine, published by the African Leadership Organization, is a leading pan-African flagship publication focused on showcasing the best of Africa’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Since its inception in August 2008, the magazine has evolved into a trusted source of information for over 1,200,000 targeted international investors, business executives, government policymakers, and multilateral agencies across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Europe, and the US.

For inquiries and participation, please contact:

Ehis Ayere

Phone: +44 23 9265 8276

Email: ehis@africanleadership.co.uk

The post ZANZIBAR PORTS CORPORATION’S AKIF KHAMIS CONFIRMED TO SPEAK AT ALM AFRICAN CUSTOMS, PORTS, AND MARITIME LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE – LONDON 2024 appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

17 May 2024

Mr. Ousman Jobarteh, Managing Director of the Gambia Ports Authority, has confirmed his participation as a speaker during the African Customs, Ports, and Maritime Leadership Roundtable Session, which will be held as a special component of the 9th ALM Africa Summit 2024. The summit, scheduled to take place on 4th – 5th July 2024 at the prestigious UK House of Lords and Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster, London, United Kingdom, will focus on the theme “Africa Unleashed – Navigating Disruptions, Enhancing Opportunities.”

The African Customs, Ports, and Maritime Leadership Roundtable Session is a premier platform for the leadership of customs and port administrations, along with other relevant stakeholders in the maritime sector, to engage in fruitful exchanges of best practices, discuss shared challenges, and foster mutually beneficial collaborations to drive Africa’s industrialization and economic development.

The maiden edition of the African Customs, Ports, and Maritime Leadership Roundtable was held as a prestigious highlight of the African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Ceremony in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 14 March 2025, hosted by the Ethiopian Customs Commission. Following the resounding success of its debut in Addis Ababa, the second edition will now be held as a special component of the ALM Africa Summit – London 2024, signifying its increasing importance and global impact in shaping the future of customs, ports, and maritime management across the African continent.

The Roundtable offers a unique opportunity for participants to partake in high-level networking discussions with colleagues from across Africa and the United Kingdom. The discussions will focus specifically on harmonizing and aligning standards and procedures to minimize non-trade barriers, ensuring a conducive operational environment for trade facilitation, fostering strong synergies to reduce bottlenecks at national seaports, and enhancing the ease of doing business to facilitate efficient intra-Africa trade and trade with the rest of the world.

As the Managing Director of the Gambia Ports Authority, Mr. Jobarteh brings extensive expertise and insights into port administration and maritime operations. With the crucial role ports play in facilitating international trade, attracting investments, and creating employment opportunities, Mr Jobarteh’s participation in the roundtable session underscores the Gambia’s commitment to enhancing trade facilitation, promoting efficient port operations, positioning itself as a regional hub for trade and logistics, and driving economic growth through the maritime sector.

Under Mr. Jobarteh’s leadership, the Gambia Ports Authority has implemented various initiatives to streamline processes, improve infrastructure, and enhance operational efficiency. These efforts have contributed to reducing turnaround times, optimizing cargo handling, and ensuring the seamless flow of goods through the ports. By actively participating in the roundtable session, he aims to share these experiences and insights with fellow industry leaders, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration.

The ALM Africa Summit, hosted by the African Leadership magazine since 2016, is a premier annual program that brings together policymakers, political and business leaders, diplomats, civil society leaders, thought leaders, and stakeholders from Africa, the UK, and around the world. The summit serves as a unique platform for engaging in discussions on various issues related to the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of Africa. The 9th ALM Africa Summit in 2024 aims to build upon the successes of previous editions by advancing discussions and actions towards sustainable prosperity for Africa.

About African Leadership Magazine:

African Leadership Magazine, published by the African Leadership Organization, is a leading pan-African flagship publication focused on showcasing the best of Africa’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Since its inception in August 2008, the magazine has evolved into a trusted source of information for over 1,200,000 targeted international investors, business executives, government policymakers, and multilateral agencies across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Europe, and the US.

For enquiries and participation, please contact:

Ehis Ayere

+44 23 9265 8276

ehis@africanleadership.co.uk

The post GAMBIA PORTS AUTHORITY’S OUSMAN JOBARTEH CONFIRMED TO SPEAK AT ALM AFRICAN CUSTOMS, PORTS, AND MARITIME LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE- LONDON 2024 appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.