Africa’s maritime gateways—its ports—carry immense strategic weight, both for coastal nations and their landlocked neighbors. Their civilian and military capabilities, level of modernization, and security standards play a crucial role in shaping their economic and geopolitical appeal.
Africa spans 30 million square kilometers, nearly twice the size of Russia, the world’s largest country. Yet, unlike landlocked Russia, Africa is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and two oceans: the Atlantic and the Indian. Unlike Russia, Africa must maintain a vital relationship with the sea. Yet, this maritime vision for Africa is far from dominant in geopolitics—and must be both recognized and strengthened.
The Threefold Role of Port Areas
Out of the 54 African states, 38—just over two-thirds—have a coastline. The 16 landlocked countries therefore rely heavily on their coastal neighbors to ensure the flow of trade.
First and foremost, African ports facilitate the import and export flows for the continent’s 1.5 billion people in 2024—a number expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050. In addition to trade, these ports support the reception, processing, and export of marine resources. For example, West African coastal waters alone produce over 1.6 million tons of fish annually, with a commercial value of around 2 billion euros.
The third, more recent function of African ports is to serve as hubs for industrial development. These industrial zones are vital for national economic growth and local job creation. This triple role—logistics, marine resource management, and industrial development—combined with Africa’s demographic and resource wealth, makes African ports, especially those in West Africa, central to global geopolitical interests.
International Competition
According to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS), China, through its state-owned enterprises, is involved in 78 African ports as a funder, builder, or operator—covering 33% of the continent’s port infrastructure. Nearly half of these ports have hosted Chinese naval visits or exercises. China’s strategy links African raw materials with its manufactured goods in a tightly integrated trade network. Nowhere else in the world has such an extensive Chinese maritime footprint.
Another strategic player has emerged over the past 20 years: the United Arab Emirates. DP World, their main logistics operator, is a major player in Africa. Their ongoing development of the Ndayane Port in Senegal, a $1.2 billion project, exemplifies their ambitions. UAE firms like Abu Dhabi Ports are also expanding in East Africa, the UAE’s traditional sphere of influence, where they increasingly compete with China.
France’s Relative Withdrawal
France’s role in African logistics and port operations has declined. The 2022 sale of Bolloré Africa Logistics to the Italo-Swiss group MSC illustrates this retreat, with the transfer of 16 port terminals and several strategic warehouses.
Nonetheless, France retains some leverage. Global shipping giant CMA-CGM remains influential, particularly in Nigeria and Cameroon, where it controls the deepwater port of Kribi. Another key player is Meridiam, which, alongside Singapore’s Arise Group, launched a new container terminal in Nouakchott in 2022—an entry point for Mauritania and Mali.
These investment or divestment choices reflect the strategic calculations of companies, which naturally factor in various risks.
Maritime Threats and the Need for Enhanced Security
Piracy may be the most publicized threat, but others loom large: drug trafficking, illegal immigration routes, illicit fishing (which costs billions annually), and arms smuggling. These criminal activities directly fund and exacerbate insecurity in the Sahel, now spreading toward the Gulf of Guinea.
Since 2013, regional bodies in West and Central Africa, along with the Gulf of Guinea Commission, have developed a joint maritime security strategy known as the Yaoundé Architecture. France’s Atlantic Naval Command supports this effort through Operation Corymbe, in cooperation with coastal states.
Cyber threats are also on the rise, posing unprecedented risks to port infrastructure. Projects like « Safe Seas for Africa », funded by the EU and implemented by international agencies (UNODC, UNITAR-ISMI, and IMO), aim to build lasting cyber resilience across the region.
These risks require ports, investors, and users to adopt new, more integrated approaches to port infrastructure development—especially in West Africa.
The Urgent Need for Modernization
From Abidjan to Kribi, via Lomé, Cotonou, and Douala, port platforms are undergoing modernization and automation. Security is now considered a core structural component of port operations—not merely an add-on.
The Port of Douala (PAD), which handles over 70% of Chad and Central African Republic’s trade, has been upgraded with robust security systems provided by local firm PortSec SA. Infrastructure includes long-range radar, surveillance cameras, and biometric access controls.
To manage the Douala-Bangui-N’Djamena corridor, the PAD also offers secured convoys. With investments nearing 210 million euros and new security protocols, Douala is increasingly attracting investors. Arise IIP plans to invest 350 million euros in a new industrial zone benefiting both Cameroon and its hinterland.
Cotonou Port, Benin’s logistics backbone, is also undergoing a €685 million modernization program. This includes expanding the container terminal, installing modern cranes to reduce turnaround times, and building a 20-hectare bulk terminal and a 40-hectare logistics zone.
Thousands of indirect jobs are expected, particularly in transport, logistics, and related services. These upgrades will increase the port’s annual capacity from 12 to 20 million tonnes—enhancing Benin’s status as a regional logistics hub.
Geopolitical Stakes and Development
Africa’s economic development, its rich natural resources, and rising global rivalries are driving an accelerated focus on upgrading port infrastructure. This transformation is vital—not just for improving living standards but also for addressing internal instability. If managed inclusively, the strategic interest of global powers could be channeled into a win-win outcome for the continent and the planet.
Source: latribune
