African ports are facing challenges due to a surge in cargo influx caused by companies rerouting around the Red Sea crisis. Shipping companies are opting to reroute their ships to the Cape of Good Hope in response to increased attacks by Yemen’s Houthis in the Red Sea. This decision adds significant distance and time to vessel sailing routes, along with higher fuel costs and maintenance requirements.
The increase in demand at African ports has exposed the gap in efficiency between African ports and other global regions. Despite significant investment in port infrastructure, particularly under China’s Belt and Road program, African ports are struggling to keep up with the demands. This has led to extended ship waiting times, lower productivity in port operations, and challenges for terminal and port infrastructure.
While some African ports, such as Tanger-Med and Mombasa, have managed to improve productivity despite the challenges, overall port productivity in Africa has declined. Import and export container dwell times have increased, reflecting the inefficiencies in port operations. The World Bank–S&P Global Market Intelligence Container Port Performance Index also highlights the challenges faced by African ports in terms of trade sector development and participation in international supply chains.
The Red Sea crisis has taken a tragic turn with the recent attack on the bulk carrier True Confidence, resulting in the loss of three seafarers’ lives and injuries to several others. This incident underscores the real and immediate dangers faced by vessels transiting through the Red Sea. Industry associations have condemned the attacks and called for decisive action to safeguard the lives of civilian seafarers and put an end to such threats.
The only way to resolve the crisis is through political means, finding a solution to the ongoing conflict in the region to enable safe passage through the Suez and the Red Sea.
