Lessons from Tema: The future of West Africa's ports

Africa at a crossroads

The commissioning of phases 1 and 2 of the expanded MPS Terminal in Tema, Ghana, marks more than the completion of a major infrastructure project. It signals how African economies can strengthen their position in global trade and compete effectively in the decades ahead with visionary decisions made at the right time. Developed through a partnership between the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), APM Terminals and Africa Global Logistics, the terminal is now one of the largest and most advanced on the continent. Together with major players such as Tangier Med and Suez Canal Container Terminal operating at scale in the North, Tema is fast evolving and establishing its name among major shipping lines as a key transshipment hub in the West.

Tema’s evolution into a highly efficient, digitally driven and future-ready port is neither a coincidence nor just a reflection of growing container volumes. What makes this port a frontrunner was the vision established more than a decade ago and implementation through long-term planning, strong governance and coordinated investment. Tema is a clear example of how Africa can scale modern port infrastructure to support growing markets and industries.

Tema’s rise: What strategic partnerships can achieve

Global trade pressures underline the urgency of this approach. While the global container fleet is expanding at 5-6% annually, port capacity is increasing by only 2-3% per year. By the end of last year, average waiting times had reached 6.4 hours in developed economies and 10.9 hours in developing economies. This imbalance between port capacity and demand for container volumes is already contributing to congestion, delays and higher supply-chain costs - and will intensify without further targeted investment.

Africa faces particularly acute pressures. Many ports and shipping lines continue to transition to larger vessels that can help accommodate larger cargo volumes and ultimately lower the price per container going in and out of countries, including in West Africa. If you don’t want to be left behind on the platform, it is crucial for countries with port infrastructure potential to make the timely decisions needed to ensure that infrastructure expansion and operational efficiency keep pace with the fast-evolving maritime sector and strengthen Africa’s overall position in global trade.

Timely investments matter in port infrastructure

Tema, which surpassed 2 million containers in mid-November, shows what is possible when strategic partnerships, efficient operations and a commitment to digitalisation and safety come together. Since the groundbreaking in 2016, the Terminal 3 expansion has now delivered:

• Double-digit annual volume growth
• Calls from the largest vessels of up to 24,000 TEUs
• Highly digitised 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 also reflects a broader truth: when ports combine development vision with disciplined execution, markets respond and we can seize opportunities. Shipping lines take notice, supply chains become more resilient and new investment follows. In West Africa, well-run ports like Tema create the possibility for hub and spoke operations and transshipment, allowing larger vessels to call and lowering logistics costs and enhancing efficiency overall.

Across West Africa - including in Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo and Liberia, where we operate terminals - container volumes have risen by nearly 50% in less than a decade, far exceeding global averages. Nigeria illustrates 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 a vital component of that. The appetite for growth is clear; the capacity to support it must follow.

Globally, the port sector is at a crossroads. Vessels are increasing in size, supply chains are more complex and subject to disruption, and expectations for reliability continue to rise. Countries that invest decisively in port capacity, digitalisation and innovation will shape the next era of global logistics.

For Africa, the path forward requires infrastructure that is built ahead of demand; ports that operate with reliability and predictability; transparent, digitalised systems; and public–private partnerships aligned around long-term ambitions, as demonstrated at Tema. Equally important is the development of skilled, safe and empowered local talent, without whom infrastructure cannot operate sustainably.

With coordinated investment, effective collaboration and sustained focus on people and performance, Africa’s ports can become powerful drivers of trade, digitalisation and economic development.