EAST Africa’s ports are entering a defining period of transformation as Kenya, Tanzania, and Djibouti accelerate investments to capture a greater share of regional and global trade. Their rivalry, driven by infrastructure expansion, digitalisation, and logistics efficiency, is redrawing the maritime map of Africa’s east coast.
For decades, Kenya’s Port of Mombasa has served as the region’s main maritime hub, handling nearly 35 million tonnes of cargo annually and connecting landlocked neighbours such as Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan. But with billions now pouring into Tanzania and Djibouti, Mombasa faces growing competition that could shift East Africa’s trade dynamics.
Djibouti’s strategic rise
Perched on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Djibouti has consolidated its role as the Horn of Africa’s primary gateway. The Doraleh Multi-Purpose Port, heavily financed by Chinese investment, can handle up to 8.2 million tonnes of cargo annually and serves as Ethiopia’s key import-export corridor.
With deep berths of 15.3 metres and specialised bulk and container facilities, Doraleh is positioning Djibouti as a contender for transshipment traffic flowing between the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Africa’s interior. Analysts note that its proximity to global shipping lanes could eventually challenge the Suez Canal corridor for regional relevance.
Tanzania’s modernisation surge
In Tanzania, the Port of Dar es Salaam is undergoing a major transformation under a $250 million agreement with Dubai-based DP World. Signed in 2023 under a 30-year concession, the deal has already halved vessel turnaround times from five to two days, while container throughput has soared by 182 percent between April and July 2024.
The Tanzania Ports Authority reports that total transit cargo rose nearly 20 percent year-on-year, reflecting strong early gains. The upgrades are part of a wider logistics vision linking Dar es Salaam to inland markets through the Standard Gauge Railway and the Central Line, both connecting industrial zones in Zambia, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kenya defends its lead
Kenya, meanwhile, remains determined to hold its position. Mombasa still processes more than twice the container volume of Dar es Salaam and significantly more tonnage than Djibouti. Its established clearance systems, skilled workforce, and superior inland connectivity continue to give it a competitive edge.
The government is exploring bond financing and concession models to upgrade both Mombasa and the newer Lamu Port, part of the LAPSSET Corridor linking Kenya with Ethiopia and South Sudan. Although earlier privatisation proposals were suspended in 2023, Nairobi continues to seek private investment to sustain momentum.
From rivalry to regional integration
Industry observers believe this competition could strengthen the region rather than divide it. ‘Healthy rivalry in the maritime sector can spur efficiency, attract investment, and expand trade across borders,’ said a policy analyst at the African Center for Economic Transformation.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is expected to amplify these gains by harmonising customs and transit procedures, helping ports across East Africa operate more cohesively as part of an integrated trade corridor.
Balancing speed and sustainability
With nearly 90 percent of East Africa’s trade moving by sea and intra-African commerce forecast to grow by 50 percent over the next decade, sustainability has become a central concern. Experts urge ports to integrate renewable energy systems, efficient waste management, and resilience against sea-level rise into their expansion plans.
If current projects stay on course, East Africa could emerge as one of the world’s most dynamic maritime corridors. The challenge now lies in coordination—aligning port modernisation with transport, energy, and customs reforms to convert maritime growth into inclusive economic transformation.
