Lessons from Tema: A Gateway to Africa's Global Trade Success
Africa stands at a pivotal moment, where strategic decisions can shape its future in global trade. The recent commissioning of phases 1 and 2 of the expanded MPS Terminal in Tema, Ghana, is a testament to this. This project, a collaboration between the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), APM Terminals, and Africa Global Logistics, has transformed Tema into one of the continent's largest and most advanced ports. With its strategic location and cutting-edge infrastructure, Tema is now a key player in the shipping industry, attracting major shipping lines and establishing itself as a vital transshipment hub in the West.
The evolution of Tema is not merely a result of increasing container volumes. It's a product of a visionary approach that began over a decade ago, backed by long-term planning, strong governance, and coordinated investment. This success story highlights how Africa can develop modern port infrastructure to support its growing markets and industries. By embracing strategic partnerships and timely investments, Africa can stay ahead in the global trade arena.
The urgency of this approach is underscored by global trade pressures. While the global container fleet expands at 5-6% annually, port capacity growth lags at only 2-3% per year. This imbalance has already led to congestion, delays, and higher supply chain costs, and the situation will worsen without targeted investments. Africa, in particular, faces acute challenges as ports and shipping lines transition to larger vessels, aiming to lower costs for cargo moving in and out of the region.
To avoid being left behind, African countries with port infrastructure potential must make timely decisions. This involves ensuring that infrastructure expansion and operational efficiency keep pace with the rapidly evolving maritime sector. Tema's success, which surpassed 2 million containers in mid-November, demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships, efficient operations, and a commitment to digitalization and safety. Since its groundbreaking in 2016, Terminal 3 has achieved remarkable milestones:
- Double-digit annual volume growth
- Calls from the largest vessels of up to 24,000 TEUs
- Highly digitized and safe operations with real-time performance dashboards, automated gates, and tight control between berth, yard, and gate
- Trained and skilled local talent
- Faster turnaround times and improved regional connectivity
Tema's success story also highlights a broader truth: when ports combine development vision with disciplined execution, markets respond, and opportunities are seized. Shipping lines take notice, supply chains become more resilient, and new investments follow. Well-run ports like Tema in West Africa create the potential for hub-and-spoke operations and transshipment, allowing larger vessels to call and reducing logistics costs and enhancing efficiency.
Container volumes across West Africa, including Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, and Liberia, have risen by nearly 50% in less than a decade, surpassing global averages. Nigeria exemplifies the scale of future demand and the potential for thoughtful economic development efforts to strengthen manufacturing, expand exports, and support deeper regional trade integration. Consistent investment in ports and logistics is vital to achieving this.
The port sector globally is at a crossroads, with vessels increasing in size, supply chains becoming more complex and vulnerable, and reliability expectations rising. Countries that invest decisively in port capacity, digitalization, and innovation will shape the next era of global logistics. For Africa, the path forward requires infrastructure that anticipates demand, ports that operate reliably and predictably, transparent and digitized systems, and public-private partnerships aligned with long-term ambitions, as demonstrated at Tema. Equally crucial is the development of skilled, safe, and empowered local talent, who are essential for sustainable infrastructure operation.
With coordinated investment, effective collaboration, and a sustained focus on people and performance, Africa's ports can become powerful catalysts for trade, digitalization, and economic development. This transformation is within reach, and Africa is poised to take center stage in the global trade arena.
