With $27 billion in investments, West and Central Africa hopes to become a global shipping hub—Dantsoho

This week, Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), announced that more than $27 billion in strategic port infrastructure and sustainability projects are under way throughout the sub-region, accelerating the push to transform West and Central Africa into a major global maritime corridor.

At the start of a Board Committee meeting, Dantsoho—who also serves as President of the Ports Management Association of West and Central Africa—disclosed that, after years of slow growth, the region’s ports are now attracting the attention of international investors.

Speaking to representatives from Senegal, The Gambia, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Congo, Ghana, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire, he characterized the current investment wave as a watershed in the region’s economic development.

He claims that the size and scope of current projects indicate a purposeful change to establish African ports as competitive global trade hubs that can handle higher cargo volumes, speed up turnaround times, and promote industrialization.

The $20 billion Simandou-Morebaya Deep Sea Port project in Guinea, the $2 billion Port San Pedro expansion in Côte d’Ivoire, the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos, the $1.5 billion Tema Port project in Ghana, and the $1.2 billion Ndayane Port project in Dakar, Senegal, were among the flagship projects mentioned.

He continued by saying that Nigeria is also modernizing its legacy infrastructure, including a $600 million investment in APM Terminals Apapa and significant modernization plans at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports. These actions are anticipated to reduce traffic and increase efficiency at the nation’s busiest maritime gateways.

In addition to infrastructure, Dantsoho stated that the area is expanding into sectors like sustainable fisheries, renewable marine energy, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and coastal tourism in order to redefine the role of ports within a larger blue economy strategy.

“We are committed to staying abreast of worldwide trends. He said, “Our ports can no longer be seen as merely entry points for the transportation of goods.

He also revealed that PMAWCA is promoting environmental sustainability through the West African Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP), a €59 million project supported by the European Union that will span 13 nations between 2024 and 2029.

Stakeholders say the region is getting closer to becoming a major maritime force, one that can compete with well-established global shipping corridors and open up new economic frontiers for Africa, as capital inflows increase and policy alignment strengthens. This initiative not only aims to enhance maritime capabilities but also seeks to protect the rich marine biodiversity of the region. As collaboration among the nations intensifies, the potential for job creation and economic growth in coastal communities becomes increasingly promising. Furthermore, investments in infrastructure and technology will play a crucial role in supporting these developments, enabling better access to international markets. By fostering sustainable practices, the initiative can ensure that growth does not come at the expense of the environment, securing a balanced future for both the economy and the ecosystem. As stakeholders collaborate on innovative solutions, the emphasis on education and workforce training will be essential in preparing local populations for emerging opportunities. This holistic approach not only strengthens the economy but also enhances the resilience of coastal communities in the face of climate change. By fostering a culture of sustainability, these communities can thrive while preserving their natural resources for generations to come. Additionally, engaging in research and development will further empower them to adapt to evolving environmental challenges. Investing in innovative technologies and practices will play a crucial role in this transformation. As communities become more adept at utilizing these advancements, they will not only improve their livelihoods but also contribute to a more sustainable future overall.

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