How Africa’s container shipping industry is transforming amid growing trade and infrastructure needs.
Africa’s container shipping industry is witnessing notable growth, driven by expanding trade networks and regional economic activities. However, the sector must address critical challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and regulatory complexities, to sustain its upward trajectory. Unlocking this potential requires a cohesive approach to modernize ports, streamline regulations, and attract investments.
According to the latest data by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) between the first half of 2018 and the first half of 2023, port calls by container ships in Africa rose by 20%, marking a record-breaking increase for the continent. Data from the African Development Bank shows that ongoing port developments have significantly boosted container traffic, with the number of container units handled by African ports rising nearly 50%, from 24.5 million in 2011 to 35.8 million in 2021. However, AFC’s 2024 report, State of Africa’s Infrastructure, highlights that this expanded port capacity has not yet translated into an efficient logistical supply chain across the continent.
Growing Trade Boosts Container Shipping Demand
Africa’s strategic position in global trade has heightened demand for container shipping across its ports. Key trade routes connecting Africa to Europe, Asia, and the Americas have seen steady growth, fueled by the continent’s increasing exports of commodities like agricultural produce, minerals, and oil.
Intra-African trade is also gaining momentum with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) fostering regional economic integration. This trade pact has bolstered the need for efficient shipping and logistics systems, presenting vast opportunities for the sector to modernize and expand.
Infrastructure: The Achilles’ Heel
Despite the promising rise in trade volumes, Africa’s container shipping sector faces infrastructure deficits that hinder efficiency. Many ports, including major ones like Lagos and Mombasa, are plagued by congestion due to limited capacity and outdated equipment. Additionally, weak connections to inland logistics networks, such as underdeveloped road and rail systems, further exacerbate delays and drive up costs.
To address this, governments and private stakeholders must prioritize investments in port modernization projects, digitalization, and hinterland connectivity. These measures are essential for Africa to remain competitive in the global shipping landscape.
Terminal operators also play a crucial role in this transformation, bringing both capital and expertise to African ports. Global terminal operators like APM Terminals, DP World, and Bolloré Africa Logistics have established strong presences across the continent. “In Nigeria, we have recently invested $115 Million in upgrading the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) terminal in Onne almost doubling the yard space, lifting safety standards, adding state-of-the-art equipment acquisition, and a modern office complex. In Morocco, Tangier went live with the latest phase of its extension in December 2023. According to the latest analysis from the World Bank, Tangier is one of the world’s top 10 performing ports,” says Igor van den Essen, Managing Director of Europe & Africa, APM Terminals.
“All regions and continents have their unique challenges related to infrastructure limitations and geopolitical risks. In that sense, Africa is not different. We see a lot of FDI in Africa, notably in expanding infrastructure such as container terminals. On a day-to-day basis, we operate our fleet as flexible as possible, making change of rotations to mitigate impact to our customers of congestions and delays. Our company continuously invests in products and services to support our customers and Africa to compete and win in the global markets,” says Rogelio Busto Duarte, Managing Director Area South, Northeast, and East Africa, Hapag-Lloyd.
Regulatory Hurdles Complicate Operations
Beyond infrastructure, regulatory inefficiencies present significant obstacles to the smooth functioning of Africa’s shipping industry. Lengthy customs processes, fragmented policies, and inconsistent trade tariffs often lead to delays and increased operational costs.
Harmonizing trade policies across borders and implementing electronic customs clearance systems can help alleviate these issues. Simplifying processes will not only boost the region’s trade competitiveness but also attract foreign direct investment into its logistics sector.
Opportunities for Sustainable Growth
Amid these challenges, Africa’s shipping industry is ripe for investment and innovation. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as an effective model to fund large-scale infrastructure upgrades and operational enhancements.
Sustainability is another area where Africa can lead. With increasing global demand for environmentally friendly shipping solutions, African ports and shipping companies can adopt green technologies to reduce emissions and enhance energy efficiency, positioning the continent as a future-ready logistics hub.
Conclusion: Charting the Path Forward
Africa’s container shipping industry has immense potential to fuel economic development and regional integration. However, realizing this potential requires overcoming significant hurdles through coordinated efforts in infrastructure development, regulatory reform, and investment in sustainable practices.
As the continent strengthens its position in global trade, its shipping sector will play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s economic future, benefiting businesses, investors, and communities alike.
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