DP World has commenced maritime construction on the $1.2 billion Port of Ndayane in Senegal, marking a pivotal step in establishing the country as a major hub for global trade. The arrival of the dredger Willem Van Rubroeck in Ndayane this month signals the start of work on the 5-kilometer-long shipping channel, a critical element of the project. Phase 1 of the Port of Ndayane will include the construction of an 840-meter quay and the dredging of the channel to accommodate the world’s largest container ships.
This initial phase will provide a capacity to handle 1.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. A second phase will add a further 410 meters of quay, solidifying Ndayane’s status as a leading logistics hub in West Africa. The new port builds on DP World’s successful operations at the Port of Dakar, which has grown from handling 300,000 TEUs in 2008 to 800,000 TEUs in 2023. However, expansion at Dakar is constrained by its location within a densely populated urban area. Ndayane, situated 50 kilometers south of the capital, offers the necessary space to address these limitations while supporting Senegal’s long-term economic growth ambitions.
DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Senegal during a recent meeting with Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. “The Port of Ndayane will elevate Senegal as a key trade hub, impacting trade across Africa. Our success at the Port of Dakar has set the stage for this ambitious project, which will not only transform trade in Senegal but also contribute significantly to employment and economic growth. Beyond the port, we aim to develop an economic zone near Blaise Diagne International Airport, generating even more jobs and opportunities,” he said.
The project is being executed in collaboration with British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance agency. BII projects the port will increase Senegal’s GDP by 3% through expanded trade flows, potentially adding $15 billion in trade value by 2035. The construction phase alone is expected to create over 1,800 jobs, while full operations are projected to support 2.3 million jobs across the country, including 22,000 directly linked to expanded trade activity.
The Port of Ndayane’s development aligns with Senegal’s broader economic goals, aiming to position the nation as a regional trade leader. By enhancing connectivity and unlocking new trade routes, the port is set to catalyze significant growth, further integrating Senegal into global supply chains. Once operational, the Port of Ndayane will not only expand Senegal’s capacity to handle maritime traffic but will also establish the country as a critical gateway for international commerce, driving economic development across the African continent. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.