Mercedes-Benz Expands into Senegal with New Truck Assembly Plant to Power West Africa’s Automotive Growth Mercedes-Benz is set to expand its manufacturing presence in West Africa with the establishment of a truck assembly plant in Senegal. This landmark initiative marks a significant step forward for the region’s automotive industry and industrialization efforts. The project was formalized through a letter of intent signed by the Senegalese government, German automotive leader Mercedes-Benz,
Category: West Africa
Aliko Dangote to Build Nigeria’s Deepest Seaport to Boost Industrial Exports
Aliko Dangote Plans Massive Seaport in Ogun State to Expand Fertilizer and LNG Exports Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is advancing plans to build a massive deep-sea port near his fertilizer and oil refinery complexes in a strategic move to streamline exports and support the growth of his industrial empire. In a recent interview in Lagos, Dangote revealed that his group submitted formal documentation in late June to initiate construction
Liberia Signs $1.8 Billion Deal with Ivanhoe Atlantic to Revamp Railway for Guinea Iron Ore Exports
Liberia, Ivanhoe Atlantic Ink $1.8B Railway Deal to Export Guinea Iron Ore via Revamped Corridor The Government of Liberia has signed a $1.8 billion infrastructure agreement with U.S.-based Ivanhoe Atlantic Inc., enabling the mining company to rehabilitate and utilize Liberia’s railway network for transporting iron ore from neighboring Guinea to export markets. The U.S. Embassy in Liberia described the deal as “a crucial step” in advancing President Joseph Boakai’s agenda
Nigeria Welcomes First LNG-Powered Container Ship at APM Terminals Apapa
APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria’s largest container terminal, has achieved a historic milestone with the arrival of the Kota Oasis, the first LNG-powered vessel to berth at the terminal. This landmark event marks a major leap forward in Nigeria’s maritime and environmental progress, highlighting a growing commitment to cleaner and more sustainable shipping practices. The Kota Oasis is a 260-meter-long, 46-meter-wide vessel with a gross tonnage of 77,850. Sailing under the
Logidoo Launches Strategic Belgium–Africa Logistics Corridor via Morocco
Logidoo, the pan-African logistics and cross-border trade platform, has officially announced the expansion of its Casablanca–Dakar corridor to include Belgium. This strategic move establishes a vital new logistics route linking Europe, North Africa, and West Africa, positioning Morocco as a key regional logistics hub. In partnership with a leading Belgian logistics operator, Logidoo now provides a regular consolidation service connecting Belgium, Morocco, and multiple West African countries. The new corridor
West Africa Welcomes Record-Breaking MSC Megaships in Global Trade Shift
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has made maritime history by becoming the first shipping line to deploy 24,000 TEU megaships on routes serving West Africa—marking a major milestone in the region’s integration into global trade networks. According to Container News, MSC has introduced two ultra-large container vessels—the MSC Diletta and MSC Türkiye—on its Africa Express service. This route connects major Asian export hubs, including China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, to
EU Flags Nigerian Seaports as Major Gateway for Counterfeit Goods in West Africa
The European Union (EU) has launched an investigation into the rising flow of counterfeit goods entering West Africa, identifying Nigerian seaports as key conduits for the illegal trade that extends to international markets. According to the 2025 EU Report on the Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in Third Countries, Nigeria has been classified among eight “Priority 3 countries” that present serious challenges to intellectual property (IP) enforcement. Other
Ghana Partners with UAE to Revive National Airline and Boost Investment Ties
Ghana is working to re-establish a national airline with technical support from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following high-level diplomatic talks held in Abu Dhabi. The announcement was made by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, 13 May 2025. The update came shortly after a two-day official visit to the UAE at the invitation of the Emirati government. According
Morocco Offers Atlantic Access to Sahel States, Redrawing West Africa’s Trade Map
The foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have endorsed a Moroccan initiative granting them access to Atlantic trade routes—a move that could significantly reshape West Africa’s geopolitical and economic landscape. The announcement was made during a meeting with King Mohammed VI in Rabat, as reported by Morocco’s state news agency. The three landlocked Sahel countries, all governed by military juntas following recent coups, have been exploring alternative alliances
Morocco Seeks Private Partner to Operate $300M Mega Shipyard
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