The report Strengthening Africa’s gateways to trade was developed in response to the challenges facing the ports in attracting external investment.
“The global transportation and logistics industry can no longer afford to ignore developments in Africa,” says Andrew Shaw, PwC Africa transport and logistics leader. “Logistics service providers and ports in particular will continue to play a key facilitator role in trade competitiveness and thus facilitate trade and sustained economic growth across the region.”
Globally, ports are gateways for 80 percent of merchandise trade by volume and 70 percent by value. Investment in ports and their related transport infrastructure to advance trade and promote overall economic development and growth is therefore vital — particularly in emerging economies that are currently under-served by modern transportation facilities.
However, port investment must be channeled appropriately to ensure financial sustainability and economic growth. Investment spent on infrastructure without cognizance of the efficiency and effectiveness of the performance of the port may not produce the desired results.
Why ports matter
As an emerging market region endowed with vast resources and a growing population, sub-Saharan Africa must accelerate its market access and trade across the region and with the rest of the world. PwC analysis shows that a 25 percent improvement in port performance could increase GDP by two percent, demonstrating the close relationship between port effectiveness and trade competitiveness.
