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
Category: West Africa
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
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,