AfDB and Maritime Leaders Launch New Port Index to Enhance Continental Investment and Efficiency
The African Development Bank Group has brought together port statisticians and maritime stakeholders from across the continent to advance data harmonisation and improve the performance of Africa’s port sector.
The five-day Data Validation and Capacity Building Workshop, held in Abidjan from 23 to 27 March, was convened under the African Ports Connectivity Portal Project.
The meeting aimed to validate datasets and strengthen capacity in aligning port performance measurement through a harmonised set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and the African Port Index.
A total of 104 participants attended, representing 38 port authorities and several continental maritime bodies. These included members from the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Union of Port Administrations of Northern Africa, reflecting broad regional collaboration.
The workshop featured technical sessions, data reviews and expert discussions on improving data collection and management. It also marked progress towards the development of the African Port Data Book 2025 and the African Port Index, both expected to enhance data-driven decision-making across the sector.
According to Marco Yamaguchi, reliable and harmonised data is critical to improving competitiveness and attracting investment. He noted that the initiative is laying the groundwork for a digital platform that will provide policymakers, port authorities and investors with high-quality, comparable information.
The African Port Index, introduced during the workshop, is expected to serve as a benchmarking tool to guide performance improvements and investment planning. Early demonstrations suggest it could become a key analytical resource for the continent’s maritime industry.
The project aligns with international standards, including guidance from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, to ensure consistency and credibility in port data.
Following the workshop, the project will move into its implementation phase, which will include finalising datasets, producing analytical outputs and unveiling the Index through an online session. A business sustainability study will also be conducted to support the long-term viability of the platform.
The African Ports Connectivity Portal Project is a flagship initiative designed to standardise and digitise port performance data across Africa, supporting regional integration, improving efficiency and strengthening investment readiness in the continent’s maritime sector.
