A new report from the United Nations Review of Maritime Transport, released on October 22, reveals a range of positive developments within Africa’s shipping sector, marking significant progress in trade and resilience amid a shifting global landscape. Between early 2018 and mid-2023, Africa saw an impressive 20% increase in container ship port calls and a 38% surge in tanker calls, record growth underscoring the continent’s emerging importance in global maritime transport. This expansion reflects a stronger trade network that is increasingly intertwined with sustainable development and long-term resilience strategies across African nations.
Liberia’s role as a leader in vessel registration has been a standout. In 2022, Liberia became the world’s largest ship registry by deadweight tonnage, surpassing Panama, which had held the position for nearly three decades. This achievement is a milestone for Liberia, continuing in 2023 with 17.3% of the global fleet, ahead of Panama’s 16.1%. The growing presence of other African nations in the global shipping arena, such as Cameroon and Nigeria, further emphasizes Africa’s expanding maritime influence. Cameroon ranks 27th globally in deadweight tonnage and vessel numbers, while Nigeria, with a 16.2% rise in registered deadweight, now sits in 33rd place.
As trade routes between developing regions, particularly South-South waterways connecting Sub-Saharan Africa to other areas in the Global South, have shown the highest growth (9%) in globalized container trade volume for 2023, the impact of Africa’s maritime infrastructure continues to reverberate. These routes strengthen economic ties among developing countries, facilitating trade that sidesteps traditional Western markets and enhances self-reliance among African and other developing nations.
However, the stability of these growing trade networks faces challenges, particularly given the crisis in the Red Sea. A surge in attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea starting in November 2023 has diverted a substantial number of vessels away from the Suez Canal, with many opting to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope. This shift has led to congestion in South African ports and created new logistical challenges while opening potential opportunities for countries such as Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia, and Tanzania. Strategically located along the Asia-Europe shipping corridor, these countries are seeing increased traffic and could benefit economically from the redirection of vessels.
UN report underscores Africa’s maritime achievements amid global challenges, spotlighting a robust path toward trade growth.
East African countries, however, face unique hurdles as a result of this disruption. Nations like Djibouti and Sudan, where approximately 31% and 34% of foreign trade, respectively, rely on the Suez Canal, are experiencing ripple effects in their supply chains. Extended delivery times for essential goods, such as avocados, tea, and coffee, are impacting the availability of perishable products.
Compounding the issue, shipping companies are prioritizing higher-revenue destinations like Europe and the United States for container allocation, leading to a scarcity of empty containers available for African exports. This issue echoes the supply chain imbalances Africa faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when container shortages left African exporters at a disadvantage.
Despite these obstacles, Africa is positioning itself to capitalize on the global renewable energy transition, which presents new opportunities for economic growth. Several African nations are embracing the potential of green hydrogen as both a domestic energy source and a promising new export.
Green hydrogen projects are beginning to take shape, with the African Hydrogen Partnership identifying Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Africa as potential hubs for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution. As demand for green hydrogen rises globally, these African countries could play a pivotal role in building a sustainable energy supply chain that not only meets internal needs but also supports the decarbonization efforts of other nations.
In response to geopolitical uncertainty and climate-related risks, Africa is also making significant strides to strengthen trade resilience and connectivity. Mauritius, for instance, has embarked on multiple initiatives aimed at enhancing its maritime security and operational capacity.
By bolstering national development policies and fostering partnerships across Africa and beyond, Mauritius has taken proactive steps to combat piracy, secure its shipping lanes, and support trade in an increasingly unpredictable global environment. Capacity-building programs, regional training initiatives, and information-sharing networks have helped Mauritius develop a security framework that enhances resilience for itself and neighboring countries.
Africa has also intensified efforts to facilitate trade and reduce transit times and costs. Initiatives such as the East African Community’s Single Customs Territory and one-stop border posts are streamlining the customs process, making it easier and more efficient for goods to cross borders. By harmonizing customs procedures and reducing bureaucratic barriers, these initiatives are contributing to a more integrated African trade landscape that boosts economic competitiveness and positions Africa as a more reliable trade partner on the world stage.
Africa’s maritime sector is becoming an essential pillar of its economic resilience and sustainability. The growth in port calls, expanding vessel registration, and increase in South-South trade are all indicators of the continent’s strengthening position in global shipping. At the same time, Africa’s response to challenges such as the Red Sea crisis and container shortages reflects its adaptability in an interconnected economy. As African nations continue to leverage their maritime infrastructure and renewable energy potential, they are laying the foundation for a future in which sustainable trade and resilient supply chains underpin economic growth across the continent.
