TOGO
West Africa’s Trade Shake Up: Can Ghana Keep Up with Togo’s Rising Port Power?
Togo's recent alignment with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—signals a transformative shift in West Africa's maritime dynamics, posing significant implications for Ghana's port operations and positioning Lomé Port as an attractive new maritime hub.
Lomé Port has emerged as a formidable contender as it offers faster processing times and more affordable rates, Lomé has become increasingly attractive to regional traders. According to the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index, Togo outperforms Ghana in infrastructure quality and timeliness, underscoring its superior operational efficiency.
Historically, Ghana's Tema Port has served as the primary maritime gateway for these landlocked nations, facilitating essential transit trade. However, persistent challenges such as operational inefficiencies, higher costs, and systemic bottlenecks have begun to erode its competitive edge. Issues like frequent customs clearance delays, outdated scanning equipment, and logistical hurdles have frustrated traders and slowed cargo movement.
The economic ramifications for Ghana are profound. The maritime sector significantly contributes to the national economy through direct taxes and supports ancillary industries like logistics and transportation. A decline in transit trade could lead to substantial revenue losses and diminish Ghana's standing as a regional trade hub. Furthermore, Ghana's ambition to establish a 24-hour economy hinges on efficient port operations—a goal jeopardized by the current shortcomings at Tema Port.
To counter these challenges, Ghana must prioritize comprehensive reforms within its port sector. Investing in modern infrastructure, streamlining customs procedures, and enhancing logistical support are critical steps. By fostering a more efficient and cost-effective port environment, Ghana can reclaim its competitive position and continue to serve as a pivotal player in West African trade.
Lomé Port becoming a new maritime hub and offering crucial routes for exporting natural resources and importing goods can have many beneficial considerations for Togo such as economic independence and growth as well as enhancing its international economic profile.
Sources: gnbcc.net | thebgtonline.com
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CAMEROON
Douala Port Powers Up: More Cranes, Bigger Capacity, Stronger Trade Future
The Port Authority of Douala (PAD) has embarked on an ambitious project to modernize and expand its container terminal, aiming to bolster Cameroon's position as a key player in regional trade. On January 17, 2025, PAD signed a series of financing agreements with the French construction firm NEGRI, marking a significant milestone in this endeavor.
The comprehensive project includes the addition of 250 linear meters of quay, development of 7.9 hectares of quayside area, construction of a Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) station, and extension of the Tyre Gantry Crane area by 1,200 meters. These enhancements are designed to increase the terminal's capacity and efficiency, addressing the growing demands of international trade. The total investment for these developments is approximately CFA47.2 billion, with NEGRI providing the necessary financing.
In alignment with this expansion, the Container Terminal Authority (RTC) at PAD plans to acquire five new cranes—two quay cranes and three Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes. This acquisition aims to enhance cargo handling capabilities and reduce operational costs. The new equipment will complement the eight RTGs purchased in 2023, bringing the total number of cranes at the port to 17. These additions are expected to increase the terminal's capacity from handling 380,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2024 to one million containers by 2030
These initiatives represent the first phase of the Douala-Bonaberi Port Development Master Plan for 2020-2025, which focuses on renovating and optimizing existing infrastructure to effectively manage the anticipated growth in cargo volumes. Cyrus Ngo'o, Director General of PAD, emphasized the strategic importance of these developments, stating that they are crucial for maintaining the port's role as the main platform for foreign trade operations in Cameroon and the sub-region.
The modernization of the container terminal is expected to have a significant impact on Cameroon's economy by facilitating international trade, creating employment opportunities, and attracting further investments. The commitment of PAD and its partners to this project underscores their dedication to enhancing the nation's economic resilience and positioning the Port of Douala as a reference point in the Gulf of Guinea.
Sources: theguardianpostcameroon.com | businessincameroon.com
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CONGO
Bridging Borders: Congo's $700M Road-Rail Link to Boost Trade and Growth Moves Forward
The Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo are advancing plans to construct a road-rail bridge connecting their capitals, Brazzaville and Kinshasa, respectively. This strategic infrastructure project aims to enhance regional integration and bolster economic growth by facilitating seamless transportation between the two cities.
According to the latest information, the bridge will be located in Maluku, some 60 km upstream from Brazzaville and Kinshasa, with the prospect of special economic zones on both sides. This configuration is expected to significantly improve the movement of goods and people across the Congo River, strengthening trade and cooperation between the neighboring nations. According to Jean-Jacques Bouya, the countries concerned have already consulted on the standardization of the establishment of the concession and the harmonization of tax, customs and financial regimes.
The project's initial phase is estimated to cost $700 million. The bidding process to select the concessionaire is scheduled to commence in June 2025, with the announcement of the selected operator anticipated by September 2025. Following the financial closure, construction is slated to begin as early as November 2025. By providing a direct link between Brazzaville and Kinshasa, the bridge is expected to facilitate cross-border trade and movement, fostering economic growth in the region.
As the project progresses, both countries are working diligently to finalize the concession agreement and secure the necessary financing. Initiated several decades
ago, the construction of a bridge over the Congo River to link the two capitals is has been in progress for quite a while. Last December, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the head of state of the Democratic Republic of Congo, announced that the first stone would be laid in September this year. However, both governments have been struggling to mobilize reluctant investors on the economic impact of such a project.
If it succeeds, the bridge is set to transform the transformation landscape in Central africa offering new opportunities for commerce and collaboration between the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The forthcoming milestones, including the selection of a concessionaire and the commencement of construction, are eagerly anticipated as pivotal steps toward realizing this transformative project.
Sources: adiac-congo.com | mediacongo.net
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IVORY COAST
Port of Abidjan Rises as a Regional Hub with Record Growth and Global Partnerships
In 2024, the Port of Abidjan experienced remarkable growth, handling 1.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) nearly doubling the 840,926 TEUs processed in 2022. This surge contributed to a 15% annual increase in overall traffic, reaching 40 million tons compared to 34.7 million tons in 2023.
A significant factor in this expansion is the inauguration of the "Côte d’Ivoire Terminal" in November 2022 managed by AGL (formerly Bolloré Africa Logistics), a subsidiary of MSC. This management has attracted shipping companies that prefer ports where their affiliates operate, giving Abidjan a competitive advantage. This second container terminal, with an annual capacity of 1.5 million TEUs and a 16-meter draft, enables the port to accommodate larger vessels, such as the MSC ALIYA, which has a capacity of 14,300 TEUs. The port is now approaching the throughput levels of West Africa’s
leading container ports, Lomé and Tema, which handled 1.91 million and 1.9 million TEUs, respectively, in 2023 and 2024.
To further enhance port infrastructure and address congestion, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) organized a workshop on January 10, 2025, in Abidjan. The event focused on developing port infrastructure and decongesting Ivorian ports. Attendees included representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, Ivorian port authorities, and members of the Abidjan Port Community. The workshop highlighted Japanese-funded projects, such as the new Grain Terminal, operational since May 2023. It allows the port to accommodate bulk carriers with a 13.5-meter draft and a capacity of 70,000 tons, doubling the previous capacity.
Representatives from Japanese companies expressed interest in contributing to the development of Côte d’Ivoire’s port and road infrastructure. On January 11, 2025, a Japanese delegation, led by Minister of State FURUKAWA Yasushi, visited the Port of Abidjan to assess completed infrastructure projects, including the Grain Terminal, evaluating its operational effectiveness.
These developments position the Port of Abidjan as a growing hub in West Africa, enhancing its capacity to handle increased maritime traffic and fostering economic growth in the region.
Sources: ecofinagency.com | portabidjan.ci
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