Africa’s developing port infrastructure is key to enhancing supply chain

Given that the World Bank estimates more than 80% of global merchandise trade by volume is transported via sea routes, ports are clearly a vital cog in the continent’s supply chain. It is not only about the export of commodities, but the import and export of manufactured goods and other products. 

And, while Africa’s supply chain and logistics infrastructure has been notoriously challenging, much is now being done to take advantage of the economic potential of its ports and shipping sector. This will benefit not only coastal countries, but hopefully those in the landlocked hinterland, which face addition challenges in trading with other parts of Africa and the rest of the world. 

“Investing in infrastructure is investing in Africa’s future. It strengthens local industries, attracts private investment, and provides the foundation for stable and self-sustaining growth,” emphasised the Regional Managing Director for Africa and Europe at global port and terminal operator APM Terminals, Igor van den Essen, recently. 

He was speaking at the Africa Chief Executive Officers Forum held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, during which he noted that economic development is directly linked to robust port infrastructure.  

The following are among the port development projects taking place across Africa. 

Angola 

A US$250-million project to upgrade and modernise a key terminal at the Port of Luanda in Angola is progressing, with the recent appointment of contractors to design and build the necessary infrastructure. 

On completion – currently scheduled for the first quarter of 2027 – the Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal will be transformed into a modern general cargo, container, and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vehicle facility. 

The Port of Luanda handles approximately 76% of Angola’s container and general cargo, in addition to serving as a maritime supply chain gateway for neighbours such as the near-landlocked Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and landlocked Zambia. 

Better import-export facilities and supply chain infrastructure are strategically vital as Angola is about to join the 13-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) Free Trade Area and is in the process of diversifying its oil-based economy to place more emphasis on trade, manufacturing, agriculture and fisheries. 

Democratic Republic of the Congo 

Banana Port in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is being hailed as a transformative project that will reshape the trade and logistics landscape of the DRC, is continuing to move forward with its development to make it the country’s first deepwater container port. 

The port is located near the mouth of the Congo River, in Kongo Central province, and when operational will supersede the port of Matadi, which lies 150km upstream of the Congo River. 

Currently, 90% of the DRC’s imports and exports of containers and general cargo is handled by Matadi, which has limitations on the size of ships it can accommodate due to the Congo River’s depth and width. 

You can read more about how Africa’s supply chain infrastructure is being enhanced through extensive port redevelopment projects in the latest issue (Issue 2 2025) of Strategic Marketing for Africa, the magazine of the African Marketing Confederation. Find the Digital Edition here. A print edition is also available.