Port calls by container ships in Nigeria and other African nations increased by 20% from the first quarter of 2018 to 2023, as reported by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). In its 2024 Review of Maritime Transport, signed by Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, UNCTAD highlighted a significant 38% rise in tanker calls during this period, marking record-breaking growth for the continent.
The report emphasizes the need for greater investment in port infrastructure to alleviate congestion and enhance trade. It stated, “Between the first half of 2018 and the first half of 2023, port calls by container ships rose by 20% in Africa, while tanker calls increased by 38%, both unprecedented growth for the region.”
UNCTAD also noted that such investments could improve climate resilience and facilitate smoother cargo movement. The organization stressed the importance of streamlining customs processes, enhancing hinterland connectivity, developing transport corridors, and establishing dry ports. Improved trade and transport facilitation for intermodal connections were also highlighted as essential.
The report acknowledged Africa’s challenges due to the Red Sea shipping crisis but noted progress in port performance, trade facilitation, and the transition to clean energy. Establishing dry ports as inland extensions of seaports was recommended to enhance cargo handling, storage, and regulatory inspections away from congested coastal areas.
To address the urgent need for better port and hinterland connectivity, the report emphasized leveraging digitalization and automation to improve cargo-handling operations and foster public-private partnerships. It suggested implementing an authorized operator program and reducing cargo clearance times to expedite goods movement.
One challenge identified was the management of high turnaround times for empty containers, which can disrupt operations and escalate costs. UNCTAD urged African nations to develop well-coordinated transport corridors, particularly for landlocked countries, to enhance connectivity and reduce delays. Constructing dry ports and inland container depots could further relieve pressure on coastal ports by providing additional cargo handling and storage options, facilitating smoother regulatory processes.
The report concluded that intermodal solutions, which integrate different transport modes, are vital for achieving seamless cargo transport. Utilizing containers in multimodal transport can significantly reduce port congestion and transit times while lowering overall costs.