By: APM terminals

The recent commissioning of the expanded MPS Terminal in Tema, Ghana, represents a significant advancement in Africa's trade infrastructure, demonstrating how strategic vision and timely investment can elevate the continent's global competitiveness. Developed through a partnership between the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, APM Terminals, and Africa Global Logistics, the terminal is now one of the continent's largest and most technologically advanced ports. Its evolution into a key transshipment hub highlights the success of long-term planning, strong governance, and coordinated public-private investment.

The project underscores a critical need across Africa, where port capacity growth lags behind both regional trade volumes and the global shift toward larger container vessels. The Tema expansion has enabled it to handle the world's largest ships, achieve double-digit annual growth, and implement highly digitized, efficient operations. This development model—combining infrastructure built ahead of demand, a focus on digitalization, and skilled local workforce development—is presented as a vital blueprint. The author argues that replicating this approach is essential for African ports to reduce congestion, lower logistics costs, and strengthen the continent's overall position in global trade.