Even though one-third of African nations are landlocked, seaports remain essential for economic activity, connecting businesses to international markets.
Africa relies heavily on maritime transport to facilitate trade, serving as a key gateway to the global economy. Despite accounting for only 2.7% of global trade by value, the continent contributes 7% of global maritime exports and 5% of maritime imports by volume.
Even though one-third of African nations are landlocked, seaports remain essential for economic activity, connecting businesses to international markets.
Over the years, Africa’s port capacity has expanded significantly. According to the African Development Bank, container traffic in African ports surged by nearly 50% between 2011 and 2021, rising from 24.5 million to 35.8 million container units.
This growth has been fueled by investments in trade terminals, specialized facilities that handle specific types of cargo, such as containers, oil, and bulk commodities.
These terminals play a crucial role in improving logistics efficiency by streamlining the loading, unloading, and storage of goods before distribution.
However, despite their growing importance, many African ports still struggle with infrastructure deficits that limit their full potential.
Issues such as outdated equipment, a lack of deepwater berths, and inefficient cargo-handling facilities often lead to congestion and costly delays. Poor road and rail connectivity further compounds the problem, making inland transportation slow and expensive.
Below are the top 10 African countries with the most seaports, and trade terminals in 2025:
| Rank | Countries | Seaports/ trade terminals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egypt | 31 |
| 2 | Nigeria | 28 |
| 3 | Angola | 21 |
| 4 | Algeria | 17 |
| 5 | Tunisia | 16 |
| 6 | Libya | 14 |
| 7 | Madagascar | 13 |
| 8 | Morocco | 12 |
| 9 | Mozambique | 11 |
| 10 | Gabon | 9 |
Business Insider
