Is building more seaports the true solution for Africa's maritime growth? While a call for new ports echoes across West and Central Africa, a critical question emerges: does the continent truly need more infrastructure, or does it require greater efficiency at its existing ports? <br /><br />Nigeria, for instance, boasts several major seaports, yet the process of clearing a container can stretch to an astonishing 21 days. This delay is a direct consequence of deep-seated inefficiencies plaguing the ports. <br /><br />Multiple regulatory agencies create bottlenecks, while extortion by various actors along port corridors adds significant costs and frustration. High handling and clearing charges further burden trade, compounded by a sluggish adoption of digitalization and port modernization. Pervasive issues with port infrastructure also play a detrimental role. <br /><br />Industry data reveals that these inefficiencies are costing Nigeria trillions of Naira. It's time to shift the focus from quantity to quality, asking if investing in making existing ports work better is the key to unlocking Africa's true maritime potential. <br /><br />#AfricanPorts #PortEfficiency #MaritimeTrade
