Africa’s maritime gateways are at the heart of global trade flows, connecting the continent’s economies to the world and powering regional supply chains. As trade volumes grow, so does the strategic importance of these seaports — both for international commerce and for intra-African connectivity under initiatives like AfCFTA.
Below we present 10 of the most significant African seaports, detailing their capacity, historical context, and prospects through 2025.
1. Tanger Med (Morocco)
Region: North Africa (Mediterranean / Atlantic)
Container Capacity (2025 est.): ~11+ million TEUs
Overview: Morocco’s flagship hub, Tanger Med has grown from a regional transshipment facility to one of Africa’s busiest container ports. Its multimodal connectivity and deep-water access attract major global carriers.
2025 Outlook: Continued growth driven by expansions (e.g., TC4 terminal), increasing ship calls, and strengthened linkages to West and Central African trade corridors.
2. Port of Durban (South Africa)
Region: Southern Africa
Container Capacity: ~4.5 million TEUs
Overview: Africa’s largest and most diversified port, Durban handles container, bulk, automotive, and break-bulk cargo. It anchors South Africa’s trade with Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
2025 Outlook: Investment in mechanization and yard optimization expected to improve throughput and reduce dwell times.
3. Port of Mombasa (Kenya)
Region: East Africa
Container Capacity: ~2.5 million TEUs
Overview: The principal gateway for Kenya and inland neighbors like Uganda and Rwanda. With extensive hinterland rail and road links (including Standard Gauge Railway), it supports regional supply chains.
2025 Outlook: Incremental capacity expansion and digitalization of port community systems will strengthen its role.
4. Port of Lagos / Apapa & Tin Can Island (Nigeria)
Region: West Africa
Combined Capacity: ~3.0–4.0 million TEUs (approx.)
Overview: Nigeria’s principal port complex supports Africa’s largest economy. Apapa and Tin Can Island handle most container flows for intra-regional industry and commerce.
2025 Outlook: Port reforms and infrastructure upgrades aim to reduce congestion and improve reliability.
5. Port of Alexandria (Egypt)
Region: North Africa (Mediterranean)
Container Capacity: ~2.0 million TEUs (approx.)
Overview: Egypt’s oldest commercial port and a major gateway for Mediterranean trade. It serves manufacturing, consumer goods, and transshipment flows.
2025 Outlook: Partnerships with global operators and hinterland improvements target increased cargo volumes.
6. Port of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)
Region: West Africa
Container Capacity: ~2.5 million TEUs
Overview: A major West African hub, Abidjan supports landlocked neighbors and regional trade. The modern container terminal has improved efficiency and carrier focus.
2025 Outlook: Continued investment and connectivity with inland corridors are expected to enhance its regional role.
7. Port of Tema (Ghana)
Region: West Africa
Container Capacity: ~2.0 million TEUs
Overview: Ghana’s largest port, Tema has become a preferred gateway for many West African exporters and importers due to its strategic location and efficiency.
2025 Outlook: Expansion plans and logistics zone development reinforce its momentum as a regional hub.
8. Port of Pointe-Noire (Republic of Congo)
Region: Central Africa
Container Capacity: ~1.2 million TEUs (2025)
Overview: Deep-water access and multimodal connections (including inland rail) make Pointe-Noire a critical gateway for Central and some Southern African flows.
2025 Outlook: Ongoing terminal expansion projects aim to double capacity and attract larger vessels.
9. Port of Dakar (Senegal)
Region: West Africa
Container Capacity: ~1.0–1.5 million TEUs
Overview: A resilient West African port with expanding container terminals and potential as a transshipment hub for regional feeder services.
2025 Outlook: Infrastructure upgrades and strategic positioning could help it capture more corridor traffic.
10. Port of Maputo (Mozambique)
Region: Southern Africa
Container Capacity: ~1.0 million TEUs
Overview: Serving Mozambique and inland neighbors (Zimbabwe, Malawi), Maputo handles container, bulk, and automotive cargo. Its proximity to regional resources and markets is a logistic advantage.
2025 Outlook: Port modernization and strategic alliances are set to increase its competitiveness.
What These Ports Tell Us About African Trade
Across North, West, East, and Southern Africa, ports are not just gateways to global trade — they are pillars of regional integration:
- Capacity Growth: Many ports are expanding or planning terminals to handle rising TEU volumes.
- Multimodal Integration: Connections to road, rail, and inland hubs enhance competitiveness.
- Trade Corridors: Ports anchor major corridors under AfCFTA, linking coast to inland markets.
- Resilience Drivers: Modernization and digital systems improve reliability and buffer against disruption.
Through 2025, these seaports will continue shaping how goods move in, out, and within Africa — with implications for exporters, importers, logistics providers, and governments.
