AfDB Drives Data Revolution in Maritime Sector with Pan-African Port Index Initiative

In a major step toward transforming Africa's maritime competitiveness, the African Development Bank Group has brought together over 100 port statisticians and industry stakeholders to advance a continent-wide effort to modernize port performance measurement and data systems.

The five-day Data Validation and Capacity Building Workshop, held in Abidjan from 23 to 27 March 2026 under the African Ports Connectivity Portal Project (APC-PP), marked a critical milestone in the development of Africa's first harmonized port performance framework. The initiative aims to unlock the economic potential of the continent's ports through high-quality, standardized data and evidence-based decision-making.

The workshop convened 104 participants representing 38 port authorities across Africa, alongside key regional and continental maritime organizations. This included 21 ports from the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), 12 from the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA), and 5 from the Union of Port Administrations of Northern Africa (UAPNA), as well as delegates from five major industry bodies. The broad participation underscores growing momentum for collaboration in strengthening Africa's maritime infrastructure and logistics performance.

At the heart of the initiative is the creation of the African Port Index (API)—a groundbreaking analytical tool designed to benchmark port performance across the continent using a harmonized set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). By standardizing how ports measure efficiency, throughput, turnaround times, and other critical metrics, the Index is expected to significantly improve transparency, comparability, and strategic planning.

Participants engaged in intensive technical sessions focused on validating datasets, addressing data collection challenges, and aligning methodologies with global standards, including frameworks developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The workshop also provided hands-on training in data analysis, reporting, and interpretation of performance indicators, equipping port statisticians with the tools needed to sustain high-quality data systems.

Early demonstrations of the African Port Index revealed its strong potential as a decision-support tool for policymakers, investors, and port authorities. By offering reliable and comparable insights into port operations, the Index is expected to enhance competitiveness, attract investment, and support policy reforms aimed at improving trade efficiency across Africa.

"Reliable and harmonized port data is essential to improving competitiveness, attracting investment, and supporting evidence-based policy dialogue," said Marco Yamaguchi, Manager of the Transport and Logistics Division at the African Development Bank. He emphasized that the APC-PP is laying the groundwork for a digital platform that will empower stakeholders with actionable intelligence.

The workshop also played a pivotal role in preparing two flagship outputs: the African Port Data Book 2025 and the African Port Index itself. These resources are expected to become key reference tools for governments, development partners, and private sector actors seeking to understand and invest in Africa's port sector.

Africa's ports are critical gateways for trade, handling over 80% of the continent's imports and exports by volume. However, inefficiencies, fragmented data systems, and inconsistent performance metrics have long hindered their ability to compete globally. By introducing a unified data framework, the African Development Bank aims to address these challenges and support the continent's broader goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Following the workshop, the project will enter a crucial implementation phase. This includes finalizing validated datasets, producing analytical reports, and organizing an online unveiling of the African Port Index results. A business sustainability study will also be conducted to ensure the long-term viability and scalability of the platform.

As Africa accelerates efforts to modernize its infrastructure and deepen regional integration, the APC-PP initiative represents a strategic leap toward data-driven governance in the maritime sector. By bridging information gaps and fostering collaboration, the African Development Bank is helping position African ports as more efficient, transparent, and globally competitive hubs of trade.