Top African Shipping Routes & Major Ports Guide – Essential Logistics Tips for Importers

Africa boasts many excellent seaports, but due to economic constraints, most suffer from outdated facilities and poor management. The shipping routes are divided into East Africa, West Africa, South Africa, and North Africa.

**East Africa Route**
This route covers the eastern part of Africa, stretching from Eritrea in the north to the Ruvuma River in the south, bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east and Lake Tanganyika to the west. It typically includes Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the island nation of Seychelles in the western Indian Ocean.

East Africa is the highest-altitude region on the continent.
Key ports: DJIBOUTI, MOMBASA, MOGADISCIO, DAR ES SALAAM, NAIROBI.

**West Africa Route**
This route encompasses the western part of Africa, extending from Lake Chad in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the Gulf of Guinea in the south, and the Sahara Desert in the north. It includes 17 countries and regions such as Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Niger, Nigeria, and the Canary Islands (west).

Key ports: NOUAKCHOTT, DAKAR, BANJUL, CONAKRY, FREETOWN, ABIDJAN, COTONOU, APAPA, TEMA, MATADI.

**South Africa Route**
The primary country here is the Republic of South Africa, though geographically, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Lesotho are also included. This route spans the Indian and Atlantic Oceans surrounding South Africa’s eastern, southern, and western coasts. Its strategic location makes it vital for shipping, with the Cape of Good Hope being one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, often called the “Western Maritime Lifeline.”
Key ports: DURBAN, CAPE TOWN, MAPUTO.

**North Africa Route**
This route covers the northern part of the African continent, traditionally defined as the vast area north of the Sahara Desert, spanning 8.37 million square kilometers. It ranges from approximately 36°E (Egypt, Red Sea) to 16°W (Western Sahara) in longitude and from 19°N (Algeria) to 37°21’N (Mediterranean, Tunisia, Cape Bon).
Key ports: CASABLANCA, ALGIERS, TUNIS, TRIPOLI, LY.

For reference only. Minor shortcomings may exist—feedback is welcome! [Smile]