DP World has officially handled its 10 millionth container at the Port of Dakar. This major operational milestone positions the terminal as one of the most efficient maritime gateways in Sub-Saharan Africa and highlights the impact of long-term infrastructure investment.
Since taking over operations in 2008, DP World has invested approximately $340 million in the port’s infrastructure, heavy equipment, and digital systems. These upgrades have drastically improved terminal performance:
- Throughput Growth: Annual capacity increased from 265,000 TEUs in 2008 to approximately 850,000 TEUs in 2025.
- Reduced Waiting Times: Vessel waiting times plummeted from 35 hours to near zero.
- Top Regional Ranking: The terminal now ranks as the most efficient port in Sub-Saharan Africa under the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index, scoring high in berth productivity and turnaround times.
Mohammed Akoojee, CEO and Managing Director for Africa at DP World, noted that over the past decade, Dakar has become a benchmark for efficiency and reliability in West Africa, unlocking trade and strengthening regional connectivity.
From a logistics perspective, the Port of Dakar serves as a critical regional gateway. It provides a stable logistics corridor for landlocked markets and supports both containerized imports and export flows, including essential agricultural commodities.
To further boost efficiency, the facility has integrated technology-driven terminal management. Clarence Rodrigues, CEO of DP World Dakar, highlighted that continuous investments in talent have enabled port teams to operate advanced equipment remotely from a dedicated, centralized control room.
To address future capacity constraints at Dakar, DP World is actively developing the Port of Ndayane. Located roughly 50 kilometers from the capital and delivered in partnership with British International Investment, this upcoming project is expected to significantly expand handling capacity and improve hinterland connectivity across the region once operational.