Seaborne trade between African countries is being facilitated by an African Development Bank (Af DB) strategic African Ports Connectivity Portal Project (APC-PP) which aims to improve data collection and enhance seamless connectivity among major African ports.Many ports across the continent have suffered from underinvestment and lack of reliable port performance data, essential for effective planning and management, according to the Af DB.Expected to come online by mid to end 2026, the initiative seeks to counter port inefficiencies which push up the cost of doing business in Africa, as well as the prices paid by consumers.The project is supported by a $2 million grant from the Beijing-based Multilateral Cooperation Centre for Development Finance (MCDF).The activities to be financed by the grant include a port data book that provides performance data for Africa’s ports and maritime transport sector as well as practical information on each of the continent’s main ports; a web-based tool for securely collecting, storing and retrieving African port data; and an African ports index with benchmarking sub-indices that cover key thematic areas in port operations and development planning, according to the tender document.Af DB transport and logistics manager Marco Yamaguchi describes the envisioned portal as “a tool for optimising port operations to facilitate intra-African trade, enhance security and transparency, and promote sustainable development”.“Reliable performance data is critical for identifying and prioritising investment opportunities for developing low-carbon, climate-resilient African ports infrastructure,” adds Frederic Wiltmann, MCDF’s programme head. A start was made on the project at an Af DB-facilitated two-day preparatory workshop held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, last year.Delegates included key stakeholders and experts from various organisations, including port management and maritime associations, the African Union Commission, regional economic communities and port authorities from 10 African countries, according to the Af DB.Jean Marie Koffi, secretary general of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), told the workshop “ports play a central role in the trade and economic integration of our continent. Improved connectivity between our ports is essential for enhancing efficiency, reducing logistics costs and strengthening Africa’s competitiveness in the global market”.The next steps include implementing a web-based port data portal, the Africa Port Index, publishing a port data book and enhancing collaboration with regional stakeholders to ensure the success of the APC-PP. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for early August in Addis Ababa, where a committee of port experts will finalise the project’s implementation instruments. ER
