Africa’s Top 10 Most Important Seaports

Africa, a continent rich in natural resources and cultural heritage, plays a significant role in the global economy. Central to this role are its seaports, which are not only pivotal in exporting vital minerals, oil, cobalt, and agricultural products but also in importing various goods. These seaports are the lifelines of Africa’s trade, contributing significantly to the sustenance of its economies, creating employment opportunities, and boosting regional corporations.

The African Union has highlighted that a staggering 90% of all traded goods on the continent are transported by sea, underscoring the immense importance of these seaports. In this article, we will look into the most important seaports in Africa as identified by the Bird Story Agency’s Bird TenX series, focusing on their trade volumes and strategic significance.

Tanger Med, Morocco

Tanger Med, situated 45 km northeast of Tangier and across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain, is not just an industrial marvel but also Africa’s largest seaport. With the capacity to handle 9 million 20-foot containers (TEUs), export 1 million new vehicles, and transport 7 million passengers along with 700,000 trucks annually, it is a vital gateway connecting Africa to Europe and beyond.

Port Said, Egypt

Egypt’s busiest port, Port Said, is located at the northern end of the Suez Canal in northeastern Egypt. With a handling capacity of 5 million tonnes of 20-foot containers, this port plays a crucial role in facilitating international maritime traffic.

Port of Durban, South Africa

Not only is the Port of Durban South Africa’s largest port, but it also holds the title of being the largest in sub-Saharan Africa. Boasting a capacity of 2.9 million TEUs and the ability to handle 600,000 shipped vehicle units, it is located strategically on the east coast of South Africa.

Lekki Deep Sea Port, Nigeria

Lekki Deep Sea Port is Nigeria’s most functional and busiest seaport, with a capacity of 2.7 million 20-foot TEUs. Located in Lagos, the commercial heart of Africa’s largest economy, it plays a significant role in the region’s maritime activities.

Port of Ngqura, South Africa

Situated 20 km northeast of Gqeberha on the east coast of South Africa, the Port of Ngqura is a key deep-water container port within a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). With a capacity of 2 million TEUs, it is pivotal for both national and international shipping.

Port of Abidjan, Ivory Coast

After expanding with a second container terminal in December 2022, the Port of Abidjan in Treichville, southern Abidjan, more than doubled its handling capacity to 2.5 million TEUs. This port is a major player in the Ivory Coast’s maritime economy.

Port of Casablanca, Morocco

Located near the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, this port is one of the largest artificial seaports ever built. It handles 1.3 million TEUs and 21.3 million tons of cargo annually, playing a crucial role in Morocco’s maritime trade.

Mombasa Port, Kenya

Known as the gateway to East Africa, Mombasa Port is a significant maritime hub. Located in the coastal city of Mombasa along the Indian Ocean, it handles 1.65 million containers annually, facilitating trade across the region.

Port of Doraleh, Djibouti

The Port of Doraleh, an extension of the Port of Djibouti and located 5 km west of Djibouti City, has a handling capacity of 1.65 million containers per year. It is a strategic link between Europe, the Far East, the Persian Gulf, and the Horn of Africa.

Tema Port, Ghana

Accounting for 70% of Ghana’s maritime transport, Tema Port’s capacity surged from 5,000 TEUs in 2022 to 22,000 TEUs. Located in southeastern Ghana along the Gulf of Guinea, it is the country’s busiest port.

In conclusion, Africa’s top seaports are not only essential for the continent’s economic growth but also for its integration into the global trade network. These seaports, through their massive handling capacities and strategic locations, facilitate the flow of billions of dollars worth of trade, thereby playing a critical role in the continent’s development and connectivity with the world.