Port calls by container ships rose by 20 per cent in Nigeria and other African countries between the first quarter of 2018 and 2023, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
UNCTAD, in its 2024 Review of Maritime Transport, signed by its Secretary-General, Rebeca Grynspan, stated that tanker calls grew by 38 per cent, record-breaking increases for the continent during the period under review.
It urged the continent to increase investments in port infrastructure to tackle port congestion and boost trade.
“Between the first half of 2018 and the first half of 2023, port calls by container ships rose by 20 per cent in Africa, while tanker calls grew by 38 per cent, both record-breaking increases for the continent,” the report stated.
UNCTAD added that port investment would also boost climate resilience and support seamless cargo movement.
The organisation also underscored the importance of streamlining customs processes, enhancing hinterland connectivity, developing transport and transit corridors, and establishing dry ports.
It also emphasised the need for improved trade and transport facilitation to support intermodal transport connections.
The organisation stressed that Africa bore the brunt of the Red Sea shipping crisis “but is making strides in port and vessel performance, trade facilitation, and the clean energy transition”.
UNCTAD emphasised that establishing dry ports as inland extensions of seaports could facilitate cargo handling, storage, and regulatory inspections away from congested coastal areas, providing significant benefits for trade.
Addressing the urgent demand for improved port and hinterland connectivity, the report highlighted the importance of leveraging digitalisation and automation to streamline cargo-handling operations and enhance public-private partnerships.
The organisation stated that those partnerships were essential for bridging the infrastructure gap and attracting private investments to the sector.
UNCTAD stated that by improving connectivity through sustainable investments, countries could build competitive, climate-resilient port systems.
