African port operations face high costs and efficiency challenges

Despite possessing 179 maritime ports and harbours, African businesses continue to struggle with high shipping costs and significant logistical delays. Toby Maier, chief executive for the Middle East and Africa at DHL Global Forwarding, noted that trucks collecting imported containers can face delays of up to seven days at terminal gates.

These delays drive up transport costs through unproductive vehicle time, driver wages, and accumulating port storage charges. The issue is attributed not necessarily to a lack of physical infrastructure, but to inefficiencies in connecting vessels, terminals, customs authorities, and inland distribution networks. Factors such as inconsistent customs procedures, documentation errors, and limited transport capacity further exacerbate the financial burden on the supply chain.

In West Africa, ports also face a transition challenge regarding energy sources. While many currently rely on diesel-powered machinery, there is growing interest in cleaner alternatives like hydrogen. Lessons from the H2PORTS project in Spain suggest that hydrogen-powered equipment can match the capacity of diesel equivalents, though the cost-effectiveness compared to battery-electric or diesel options remains a critical consideration for regional planning.