Senegal is poised to redefine its maritime and logistics landscape with the development of the Ndayane Deepwater Port, a US$1.2 billion project backed by Dubai-based DP World and the UK’s British International Investment (BII). Located approximately 50 kilometres south of Dakar, this deep-water terminal represents one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in West Africa and is expected to transform the nation into a premier regional trade hub.
The port’s construction, which began in December 2024, is slated for completion by 2028. Once operational, it will accommodate mega container vessels that currently bypass many West African ports due to draft limitations. Analysts anticipate that the port’s full-scale operation could increase Senegal’s container handling capacity to 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. This expansion is projected to add nearly three per cent to the country’s GDP by 2035, while significantly easing congestion at the Port of Dakar.
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The Ndayane Port is more than a container terminal; it is a strategic infrastructure investment that integrates Senegal into global supply chains. The facility will include a 600-hectare special economic and logistics zone aimed at promoting manufacturing, industrial development, and trade facilitation. By creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs across sectors such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, the port will catalyse sustainable economic growth and regional value capture.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye emphasises that the port is a “transformative investment for national and regional growth,” highlighting Senegal’s ambition not only to enhance domestic logistics but also to position the country as a critical node in West Africa’s trade network. International investors are taking note: DP World’s involvement ensures world-class port operations, while BII’s commitment underscores growing confidence in Senegal’s economic trajectory.
West Africa has historically faced challenges in maritime logistics, including limited port depth, congestion, and inadequate hinterland connectivity. The Ndayane Deepwater Port directly addresses these structural barriers. By accommodating two of the world’s largest container ships simultaneously, Senegal is setting a new benchmark for regional infrastructure.
The port’s strategic location and capacity will enable Senegal to serve as a logistical gateway connecting Africa to Europe, the Americas, and Asia. This integration not only boosts national competitiveness but also strengthens regional trade networks, contributing to the continent’s broader economic integration goals.
From a global perspective, the Ndayane Port exemplifies Africa’s increasing appeal to international investors seeking stable, high-impact infrastructure projects. The collaboration between Senegal, DP World, and BII signals a trend where African nations are leveraging public-private partnerships to attract long-term investment while retaining strategic control over critical infrastructure.
The project aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth, and Goal 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. By creating employment opportunities, enhancing trade efficiency, and promoting industrialisation, Senegal is demonstrating how strategic infrastructure investments can drive inclusive development while contributing to regional and global supply chains.
Charting the Course Ahead
As Senegal advances with the Ndayane Deepwater Port, it is setting a precedent for maritime development in West Africa. The project is expected to have transformative effects on the economy, trade dynamics, and regional logistics. By capturing value from increased trade flows and modernising its port infrastructure, Senegal positions itself as a leader in African maritime commerce—a nation ready to navigate the currents of global trade with strategic foresight and infrastructural excellence.
