Morocco is inviting private operators to manage Africa’s largest shipyard under a 30-year concession, aiming to replicate the success of its automotive industry, Bloomberg reports. The state-run National Ports Agency (ANP) has launched a tender, seeking experienced global players to develop, equip, and operate the 52-acre facility. According to ANP’s communications director, Abdellatif Lhouaoui, the project is designed to turn Morocco into a leading maritime hub in Africa. This move
Category: West Africa
Dangote to Build Nigeria’s Largest Seaport in Ogun State
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Group, has announced plans to develop Nigeria’s largest seaport in Ogun State. Dangote made the announcement last week during a courtesy visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun, stating that the project would be located in the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ). “We initially abandoned our plans to invest in the Olokola Free Trade Zone, but thanks to Governor Abiodun’s investor-friendly policies, we are
Dangote Resumes Plans for Nigeria’s Largest Seaport and Expands Cement Production
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced plans to build Nigeria’s largest seaport at the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ) in Ogun State. He made the revelation on Monday during a courtesy visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun. “We initially abandoned our investment plans in the Olokola Free Trade Zone, but due to Governor Abiodun’s investor-friendly policies, we are back. We will collaborate with the government to develop the country’s
Rising Port Charges Push Importers Away from Nigeria
Importers are increasingly diverting goods to neighboring West African countries to avoid soaring port charges in Nigeria. Over the past month, multiple government agencies, terminal operators, and shipping companies have raised their fees by nearly 100%, making cargo clearance unaffordable for many businesses. Lagos port, Nigeria’s busiest, has been particularly affected, with a sharp decline in activity, threatening the country’s ease of doing business agenda. According to The Guardian Nigeria,
China Funds $254.76 Million for Nigeria’s Kaduna-Kano Railway
The China Development Bank has approved a $254.76 million loan to Nigeria for the construction of the Kaduna-Kano railway, part of the country’s larger railway modernization efforts under the Lagos-Kano initiative. This development is a significant milestone in China’s involvement in Nigeria’s infrastructure development and its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Kaduna-Kano railway project was launched in July 2021 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari in Kano State. It is envisioned
U.S. and Nigeria Revitalize Aviation Agreement to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
The United States and Nigeria are revitalizing their aviation partnership, reinforcing their bilateral relationship. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria’s Public Diplomacy Department announced the renewal of an aviation agreement to bolster industry ties between the two nations. According to a statement published in the Punch Newspaper, the agreement, initially in effect since 2000, has been updated to establish a modern civil aviation partnership. “The U.S.-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement, provisionally applied
Maersk Commits $600 Million to Upgrade Nigeria’s Port Infrastructure
Danish shipping giant Maersk has announced a $600 million investment aimed at upgrading Nigeria’s port infrastructure, signaling a significant boost to the country’s maritime sector. The investment pledge was secured during a meeting between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Maersk chairman Robert Maersk Uggla at the World Economic Forum gathering in Saudi Arabia. Uggla expressed the company’s commitment to enhancing existing facilities and making ports more accommodating for larger vessels.
Nigeria’s Maritime Industry Advances with E-Tag Technology Deployment
In a groundbreaking move to enhance efficiency and security in Nigeria’s maritime industry, Trucks Transit Parks Ltd. (TTP) has announced a strategic collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to deploy E-tag technology. This initiative aims to address challenges related to non-compliance with standard operating procedures in the electronic call-up scheme, particularly concerning the Minimum Safety Standards (MSS), and to improve the ease of doing business for truckers and the
Nigeria’s NPA Secures $700 M Loan for Ports Upgrade
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has entered into an agreement with global financial institution Citibank for a $700 million loan aimed at revitalizing the Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos. The loan – funded by UK Export Finance – will support the rehabilitation of quay walls to enhance landside operations, and deepen droughts to 16.5 m to accommodate larger vessels and increase traffic flow. The loan will fund the
Rio Tinto, WCS, and CTG Mark Milestone with First Beam Installation on Trans-Guinean Railway
The first beam of the Trans-Guinean railway connecting the Simandou mine to the Atlantic coast has been installed in Guinea-Conakry. The inauguration ceremony took place in the presence of General Mamadi Doumbouya, President of the Republic of Guinea-Conakry. Jointly established in 2023 by the Guinean government, the Winning Consortium Simandou Railway (WCSR), Rio Tinto-Simfer and the Trans-guinean company (CTG) will collectively manage the railway and port infrastructure built under the Simandou project.