Togo: Autonomous Port of Lomé, first in sub-Saharan Africa, 93rd in the world
In the recently released 2024 edition of the British maritime publication Lloyd’s List, the Port of Lomé has moved up to the 93rd position, improving from its previous ranking of 94th the year before.
The Port of Lomé’s rise in the rankings is attributed to a significant increase in container traffic.
According to data provided by the British review, the Togolese port handled 1.9 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2023, up from 1.8 million TEUs in 2022, marking a 5% growth.
Despite this progress, Lomé remains behind several major African ports, including the Port of Tangier in Morocco (19th), the Port of Said in Egypt (47th), the Port of Durban in South Africa (78th), and the Port of Damietta in Egypt (90th).
However, Lomé stands out as the only sub-Saharan African port to feature in the Top 100, highlighting its growing significance in the region.
“Lomé has secured its place as the leading port in sub-Saharan Africa by making it into this prestigious ranking,” commented Edem Téngué, the Minister of Maritime Economy.
Globally, the rankings continue to be dominated by Asian ports, with the top 10 exclusively comprising Asian port facilities. Shanghai in China leads the list, followed by Singapore and Ningbo-Zhoushan, also in China.
Lomé’s improved ranking is a result of the reforms implemented by Togolese authorities aimed at reducing costs and simplifying procedures within the port.
“With state-of-the-art infrastructure, exemplary management, and a forward-looking vision, the Port of Lomé now ranks 5th among African ports.
This international recognition reflects Togo’s ongoing commitment to establishing Lomé as a strategic hub for maritime trade in Africa,” the Togolese official added.
Chantal TAWELESSI
