Do you need to get information on ports in Africa? You are a port operator and you’re thinking about becoming involved with a port in Africa because trade activity is increasing in that section of the world. You believe this can be a lucrative opportunity.

Since you’re new to the continent, it’s important to know about Africa ports and terminals. You need to know what and where the busiest ports are. You must also become knowledgeable about the laws and regulations that African port operators must adhere to. Learn about ports and terminals in Africa news and trends through the following:

1. Go to news websites to understand ports and terminals in Africa.

2. Find out the latest news on African ports.

3. Obtain the latest trends on ports of Africa via online magazines or newsletters.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Visit news websites to read about ports and terminals in Africa

Read how terminals in Africa are improving their security. News websites can inform you about the latest technologies or equipment that Africa ports and terminals are using. For example, you can learn how Africa ports and terminals hire firms to upgrade video surveillance cameras so as to improve security.

I recommend: OptiOnline covers news on major ports of Africa. Learn how the Red Sea Gateway Terminal project will be a top-notch container facility at Jeddah Islamic Port. Read SecurityPark to find out how Transnet Port Terminals is increasing NICE’s IP surveillance cameras in order to better secure its African terminals.

Read blogs to get current news on ports in Africa

Discover how Africa ports are investing a lot of capital to improve their port infrastructure and transportation. Logistics businesses and port operators are pouring money into these projects because they anticipate Africa will experience a high volume of trading. Rely on blogs to learn about the roles that various individuals and companies play in building and managing sea ports in Africa.

I recommend: Shipping in South Africa focuses on the various roles that businesses and government play in the Africa ports industry.

Use online magazines or newsletters to get the latest trends on ports of Africa

Magazines and newsletters can provide in-depth information on projects that ports of Africa are engaging in. For example, you can read about Africa terminals collaborating with the government to clean up toxic waste. You can also read about Africa port terminals becoming increasingly privatized.

I recommend: Ports and Ships focuses on how ports are becoming privately owned. You can also read The Standard, which provides articles on ports and terminals in Africa news and trends.

Growing global demand for commodities is increasing the demand for adequate ports and terminals in Africa. Most African terminals are able to handle only smaller container vessels, however some are modernizing to accommodate larger vessels. More small sea ports in Africa also are being developed to provide small companies greater access to the global economy. Ports in West Africa are expanding to accommodate the growth in petroleum and natural gas production. Ship ports in South Africa are generally more developed than other African ports.

Your business' expansion should begin with a thorough plan and feasibility study. Work with professionals with experience in Africa after selecting the African ports in which you are interested.

The following steps will help you to get your African terminal and port expansion up and running:

1. Select the location you are interested in from the major ports of Africa.

2. Get your expansion to African ports off and running by creating a sound business plan.

3. Work with cargo handlers and terminal operators who have experience in African ports.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find ports and terminals in Africa by region and country

Africa is home to many ports and terminals with varying cargo handling capacity. The Internet provides easy-to-use resources for locating Africa ports and terminals.

I recommend: World Port Source offers an interactive map of African ports by region. Click on the icon in one of four African regions to access information on major ports and terminals in Africa. The CIA provides an up-to-date list of all of the ports and terminals in the world by country. Countries are listed alphabetically; click on the country name to learn more about its ports and terminals.

Optimize your expansion to ports and terminals in Africa

Get the most out of your expansion by utilizing companies with planning and management experience in African ports. Multiple companies provide services to help you during any phase of your project.

I recommend: Accugistics provides consulting services related to planning, implementation and optimization of transportation systems. Starting with a solid foundation will help to make your expansion successful. Cosmos offers a range of consultancy services to help make your terminal operation successful. The company can help you to track cargo vessels and monitor operations.

Work with cargo handlers who have experience in the major ports in Africa

Africa is home to numerous ports, and there are multiple companies with established relationships across the continent. Partnering with companies already established in African ports will help your expansion to thrive.

I recommend: Transnet Port Terminals is a South Africa terminal operator. TPT offers a range of services, and operates year-round in 13 terminals. Portek International provides port management services along with the leasing and sales of equipment. The company is established in one of the major ports in West Africa.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  African ports may be located in nations experiencing political instability. Check with your country to see if there are any security advisories or restrictions on the transport of goods.

If your business is expanding, you may be thinking about shipping your products to African cities. Or perhaps you need to import African products in order to support your manufacturing needs here at home. Either way, knowing more about African ports and terminals could be important for your planning.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Port of Agadir

The port of Agadir is one of Morocco's 15 ports, and its fourth busiest. It is experiencing much growth, partly due to its ability to handle specialized cargoes such as chilled and frozen items. The Port of Agadir is surrounded by the Sahara Desert, which makes it a popular tourist resort.

I recommend: Get more details about the Port of Agadir at World Port Source.

Inland Container Depots

Inland Container Depots (ICDs) are dry ports that handle and store both containers full of cargo and empty containers. The purpose of ICDs is to give inland customers faster service. There are six ICDs in Africa, with three in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Eldoret linkedg by rail to the container terminal in Mombasa.

I recommend: Learn about Africa's newest ICD at BDAfrica.

Djibouti Container Terminal

Djibouti is located in the Horn of Africa. About 85 percent of its business comes from the imports and exports of Ethiopia, which is landlocked. Since the Djibouti Container Terminal began operating with a software application called Navis SPARCS, the port has been able to complete 20 moves an hour, making it one of the most productive ports in Africa.

I recommend: Read more about the Djibouti container terminal at BBC News.

Roll-on/roll-off cargo

Roll-on/roll-off cargoes are driven on and off a ship on their own wheels. Roll-on/roll-off cargo include cars, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, trailers or railroad cars. African ports that can handle this special type of cargo include the Port of Agadir, the Port of Djibouti, and the Port of Cagliari.

I recommend: Learn more about roll-on/roll-off cargo at Worldwide Shipping Agency.

Port of Walvis Bay

The port of Walvis Bay is located on the west coast of southern Africa. It is the main port of Namibia and handles more than 2 million tons of cargo every year. It has good road and rail connections with the rest of the country.

I recommend: Find out more about the port of Walvis Bay at Namport, the National Port Authority in Namibia.

Port of Cape Town

The Port of Cape Town, South Africa is one of the world's most strategically located ports. It handles general cargo and containers. It has extensive ship repair facilities.

I recommend: Read much more about the Port of Cape Town at Ports & Ships.