By: Energy capital & power

West Africa’s oil and gas and mining sectors are driving regional economic growth. Nigeria continues to expand offshore and onshore production, while Ghana’s mining industry, led by gold output, contributes to export revenues. Guinea’s Simandou project is set to produce 100 million tons of iron ore annually, positioning it as Africa’s largest iron ore producer and Senegal’s offshore hydrocarbons, which began production in 2024, are boosting energy exports. exports.

To sustain this growth, major port infrastructure projects are underway, including new construction and modernization. These developments are essential to streamline trade flows, support industrial expansion and strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness.

Nouadhibou Port Reconstruction – Mauritania

Mauritania’s government has initiated the reconstruction and expansion of Nouadhibou Port, starting in July 2025 with completion targeted around 2030. Overseen directly by the state, the project involves constructing new fishing and commercial berths, access channels, supporting buildings and a sewerage system to bolster both fishing and trade infrastructure in the region. The expanded port aims to enhance Mauritania’s export capabilities, particularly for fisheries and mineral products and strengthen its position as a regional Atlantic trade hub.

Tema Port Expansion – Ghana

Ghana’s Tema Port Phase 2 expansion, led by developer Meridian Port Services, is 98% completed with a targeted September 2025 commissioning. This $1.3 billion project adds 270,000 m² of paved yard, expanding the terminal’s footprint from 100 to 127 hectares and boosting container capacity to around 3.7 million TEUs. Phase 2 introduces modern infrastructure–gantry cranes, drainage systems and cable conduits–increasing operational efficiency. Upon completion, Tema will become West Africa’s largest port by capacity, reinforcing Ghana’s status as a regional maritime hub.

Morebaya Port – Guinea-Conakry

The Morebaya Port project in Guinea-Conakry is on track for commissioning in November 2025, marking the start of iron-ore exports from the Simandou mining complex, operated by mining companies Rio Tinto and the Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS). The Morebaya Port in Guinea is being developed by WCS with China Harbour Engineering Company contracted for dredging works and several subcontractors handling specialized infrastructure, including a 22.6-kilometer-long and 250-meter-wide channel. Situated in Forécariah, the port is connected to the Simandou mine via the Trans-Guinean Railway. The infrastructure includes deepwater port facilities, railway links, handling systems and supportive logistics to facilitate efficient export operations.

Cotonou Port Modernization – Benin

Benin’s Cotonou Port is undergoing substantial modernization, with completion expected in Q4 2026. The port, with support from contractor Eiffage, is delivering comprehensive upgrades: renovating and deepening the North dock across its full 1,391 m length to 16 m, extending the North dock by 214 m, extending the South dock by 154 m to 15 m depth, constructing a rubble-mound breakwater and dredging all berths. These enhancements align with the port’s modernisation master-plan (2021–2025) and are supported both financially and technically by the African Development Bank. This modernization is expected to alleviate maritime traffic congestion in Nigerian ports, enhancing regional trade.

Ndayane Port – Senegal

Senegal’s Ndayane Deepwater Port, developed by maritime operator DP World in partnership with the Senegalese government and supported financially by British International Investment, is under construction and slated for completion in 2027. Located about 50 km from Dakar, the port will feature a deepwater channel, quays up to 3 km long, container terminals, a fishing port, ship repair facilities and an adjacent special economic zone. Designed to decongest Dakar Port, it will handle the largest vessels in West Africa, boost regional trade, and support the export of hydrocarbons, including offshore oil and gas. 

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