Port calls by container ships in Nigeria and other African countries increased by 20% 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 Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, UNCTAD reported a remarkable 38% rise in tanker calls during the same period.
The report calls for increased investments in port infrastructure to alleviate congestion and enhance trade efficiency. It highlights that, between the first halves of 2018 and 2023, Africa experienced record-breaking growth in both container and tanker calls.
UNCTAD emphasizes that improving port investments is crucial for enhancing climate resilience and facilitating smoother cargo movement. The organization advocates for streamlined customs processes, better hinterland connectivity, the development of transport and transit corridors, and the establishment of dry ports to optimize trade operations.
The report acknowledges the challenges posed by the Red Sea shipping crisis but notes significant progress in port performance, trade facilitation, and the transition to clean energy. Establishing dry ports as inland extensions of seaports can help alleviate congestion by providing dedicated spaces for cargo handling, storage, and regulatory inspections.
To improve port and hinterland connectivity, the report highlights the need for digitalization and automation in cargo-handling operations, alongside fostering public-private partnerships. These partnerships are essential for closing the infrastructure gap and attracting private investment.
UNCTAD stresses the importance of adopting globally recognized port performance indicators, including digital solutions like single windows and automated customs processes. Streamlining customs and trade compliance is crucial for achieving efficiency gains.
To accelerate cargo movement, the organization recommends implementing an authorized operator program and reducing clearance times. It also identifies the challenge of managing high turnaround times for empty containers, which can disrupt operations and increase costs.
UNCTAD advises African nations to establish well-coordinated transport corridors, particularly for landlocked countries, to enhance connectivity and minimize delays. Constructing dry ports and inland container depots can provide crucial support for these nations, easing pressure on coastal ports and facilitating regulatory inspections.
Finally, UNCTAD underscores the significance of intermodal solutions that integrate various transport modes, noting that using containers in multimodal transport can help reduce port congestion, shorten transit times, and lower costs.
