For decades, Africa was often overlooked in global logistics networks, considered a challenging market with limited infrastructure. But a quiet revolution is underway, and major forwarders are now racing to capture a slice of what has become one of the industry's most promising growth frontiers.
The landscape of West African logistics is being transformed by two powerful forces: the strategic deployment of massive new shipping capacity and a surge in regional economic integration. This shift is creating unprecedented opportunities for logistics providers ready to navigate this complex but rewarding market.
Giant Ships Signal a New Era for West African Trade
The most visible sign of West Africa's rising importance came in April 2025, when Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) deployed its 24,346 TEU vessel "MSC Turkiye" to the region-a ship larger than anyone thought could be accommodated in West African ports just years earlier.
This wasn't an isolated event. MSC has systematically introduced eight ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) on its Asia-West Africa (AFL) route, transforming a trade lane that previously maxed out at 4,000-5,000 TEU vessels. The AFL service connects Chinese ports like Qingdao, Ningbo, and Shanghai directly with key West African hubs including Tema (Ghana), Lomé (Togo), Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), and Kribi (Cameroon).
The impact has been dramatic. The average vessel size on the Asia-West Africa route has surged from 6,343 TEU to 8,127 TEU in just one year-a 28% increase-with further growth expected.
This isn't just about bigger boats. It represents a fundamental shift in how global carriers view West Africa. As Soren Toft, CEO of MSC, recently stated at a forum in Abidjan: "We are very bullish on Africa. Our goal is to achieve double-digit annual growth in inter-African business".
Following the Leaders: How Major Players Are Positioning Themselves
The strategic moves by industry leaders reveal where the smart money is flowing:
- CMA CGM has partnered with AD Ports Group to develop and operate the New East Mole terminal in Pointe-Noire, Congo-a strategic foothold in a market where CMA CGM already commands 35% market share.
- Ocean Network Express (ONE) has upgraded its WA1 and SW2 services connecting Asia with West Africa, now offering weekly sailings to meet growing demand.
- Clarion Group, a Nigerian logistics and port operator, has established Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited (CSWA), launching the first fully Nigerian-owned container ship to serve regional routes.
What's driving this activity? Asian-African trade volumes tell the story: containerized freight between these regions hit 348,000 TEU in March 2025 alone, a 29% year-on-year increase. West African ports accounted for over half this volume, with approximately 180,000 TEU moving between Asia and West Africa.
Beyond Shipping: The Infrastructure and E-commerce Boom
The opportunities extend far beyond port activities. Warehouse occupancy rates across Africa have jumped to 83% in the first half of 2025, up from 75% a year earlier-a clear indicator of booming demand for logistics infrastructure.
E-commerce is a particularly powerful growth engine. The African e-commerce market is projected to exceed $75 billion in 2025, with Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire emerging as key markets. Jumia, Africa's largest e-commerce platform, records over 22 million monthly visits, demonstrating the scale of digital consumer activity.
This retail transformation is driving demand for last-mile delivery solutions and climate-controlled storage facilities-specialized services that forwarders with the right local knowledge can effectively provide.
Strategic Implications for Forwarders
For logistics companies evaluating their West African strategy, several key opportunities stand out:
1. Hub-and-Spoke Operations Are Becoming Viable
With major ports now handling ULVCs, forwarders can establish regional distribution centers in hubs like Lomé or Tema to serve multiple markets efficiently. MSC's successful experiment using Lomé as a transshipment hub during Red Sea disruptions demonstrated this model's viability.
2. Inland Connectivity Presents Untapped Potential
The real bottleneck has shifted from port capacity to inland transportation. Nigeria's rail network, for instance, moved 159,130 tons of freight in Q2 2025, but faces challenges including equipment shortages and infrastructure issues. Forwarders who solve inland connectivity challenges will gain significant competitive advantage.
3. Regional Trade Integration Is Accelerating
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is reshaping trade patterns. Clarion's new shipping service explicitly aims to "maximize the advantages of AfCFTA" by connecting Nigeria with Benin, Togo, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Côte d'Ivoire. Forwarders can capitalize on this by developing specialized cross-border solutions.
4. Specialized Commodity Expertise Is in High Demand
West Africa's trade composition is shifting beyond traditional commodities. Aluminum bauxite shipments from Guinea now account for 14% of global Capesize vessel shipments, up from just 6% three years ago. Forwarders with expertise in handling specific commodities like minerals, agricultural products, or temperature-sensitive goods will find ready customers.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the progress, West Africa remains a complex operating environment. Infrastructure gaps persist, regulatory frameworks vary significantly between countries, and political uncertainty can impact operations-as seen in Guinea's recent requirement that 50% of bauxite exports be carried on Guinean-flagged vessels.
Yet the direction of travel is clear. Ghana will host its first Transport and Logistics Fair in October 2025, aiming to position the country as West Africa's mobility hub. Such initiatives signal both government commitment and private sector interest in developing modern logistics ecosystems.
For forwarders willing to build local partnerships and invest in understanding regional nuances, West Africa offers what may be the industry's last true frontier market-not a simple opportunity, but potentially a highly rewarding one for those who approach it with strategic patience and localized expertise.
The message from industry leaders is clear: West Africa is no longer an emerging story-it's where the next decade of logistics growth will be written.
XMAE Logistics helps businesses navigate complex global supply chains with specialized expertise in emerging markets. Contact us to learn how we can support your operations in West Africa and beyond.
