Ports in Africa: During the peaks of the COVID-19 Pandemic waves, Africa heavily looked inwards with interstate trade and to some degree, the continent looked self-sufficient. However, post-Covid Africa will go back to the heavy reliance on global trade and this will heavily depend on the efficiency of her seaports.
Africa covers about 6% of the earth’s total surface. With 38 of its 54 states either coastal or insular in nature, Africa has over a hundred port facilities, a few of which handle 6% of the worldwide water-borne cargo traffic and about 3% of the world’s container traffic.
African ports have gained popularity over the years due to their very successful port management partnerships. These ports are responsible for a majority of the country’s imports and exports. The ports of Africa are a legitimate business for the country. They also have the added value of being tourist spots. Africa’s top 10 ports are a thing of great pride and joy for the country.
In this ranking, we did not consider the size of the sea port but rather the time is taken for a container to be handled and cleared. The number of land-locked countries depending on the sea port is also crucial for this ranking.
1. Port Durban –Â South Africa
This is the busiest port in Africa. Durban is one of the largest cargo ports in Southern Africa, with at least 59 berths. To this day, the port continues to expand and develop new areas. The port is linked to critical industrial areas. It has two floating ducks, one of which is controlled by the NPA. This port is used by over 880 ships per month, and this number only increases every year.
2. Port of Richards Bay – South Africa
Port Richards Bay is one of the largest ports in the entire world and is around 40 years old! It is the leading coal export terminal internationally and is located quite close to the Durban port.
The area used to be a small fishing village and was made into an industrial city. It was then further enriched by the construction of this gorgeous port.
3. Port Mombasa – Kenya
Kenya, one of the most influential African cities, is known for its exceptional export and import business through the Mombasa port. Mombasa is the common port for Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Built in 1880, this port is home to a lot of heavy traffic today.
4. Port Suez Canal Container Terminal – Egypt
This port is one of the most modern ports in Africa. Only a decade after its construction, the port gained a name for itself in the trading community.
The Suez Canal port provides a huge geographical asset for Egypt to Africa. It is also a favorite for international collaborators and tourists.
5. Port Lagos – Nigeria
Port Lagos is one of the most famous ports of West Africa. Located in Nigeria, it is divided into three sections: The Lagos Port, Tin Can Port, and the Apapa Port. Each section is artfully situated in the Gulf of Guinea. It is connected to all close countries like Benin, Niger, and Cameroon. Another important quality is its Marina transport academy, a source of many jobs for the locals.
6. Port Dar Es Salaam – Tanzania
Port Dar Es Salaam is one of the most beautiful ports in Africa. It is located in Tanzania and is a competitor of Port Mombasa. There is a healthy competition between the two ports, which has become a part of African tradition. This port is crucial to the international market and also doubles as an important landmark in African history.
7. Port Of Beira
This particular port is connected to the Pungue river and is one of the key ports of Africa. Its connection to Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia via railways and roads is one reason why this port is so important.
Port Beira also has a direct connection to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East through the sea. Its numerous berths are known for transport and fishing and are why this port is ranked in the top 10 ports of Africa.
8. Port Djibouti – Djibouti
One of the qualities of Port Djibouti, other than its exotic name, is its link to Ethiopia by rail. It also has the added advantage of being connected to over 40 international companies by being the main transit for imports and exports.
This port is known for being the most efficient port in the trading business and is busy year-round. Traders and importers often have to book shipments in advance if they want to use Port Djibouti.
9. Port Walvis Bay
This port is primarily responsible for the import and export business in Namibia, West Africa. When foreign exporters look into the African market, this port is their go-to choice, as it is one of the friendliest options in terms of business. The port is a beautiful destination and a great place for beginner imports and exporters.
10. Port Saldanha Bay
This port is one of the oldest in Africa. It has been around since the 1970s and acts as a gateway to other continents and countries. Port Saldanha Bay is one of Africa’s most efficient ports, and it has truly earned its name by modernizing itself with the times.
Each year Saldanha Bay port makes accommodations for new businesses and increasing trade, making it a hotspot for foreign exports.
This port ranking is inspired by icontainers.com
