DP World has handled its 10 millionth container at the Dakar Container Terminal since the start of operations in 2008, underscoring the Port of Dakar’s emergence as a leading maritime gateways in West Africa and its growing role in regional and global trade.
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Since taking over operations in 2008, DP World has invested approximately USD 340 million to modernise the terminal and expand its capacity. Container throughput has increased from 265,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2008 to 850,000 TEUs in 2025, while vessel waiting times have been reduced from 35 hours to near zero.
It is now the highest-ranked port in Sub-Saharan Africa for efficiency, according to the World Bank’s Container PortPerformance Index.
Mohammed Akoojee, CEO and Managing Director for Africa at DP World, said:
“Reaching 10 million containers in Dakar reflects the scale of transformation achieved through sustained investment, operational expertise and close collaboration with local partners. Over the past decade, Dakar has become a benchmark for efficiency and reliability in West Africa, demonstrating how modern infrastructure and strong local partnerships can unlock trade, support economic growth and strengthen regional connectivity.”
The Dakar container terminal plays a key role in connecting Senegal and neighbouring economies to international markets, supporting trade flows across West Africa. Efficient port operations are essential for exporters, importers and landlocked countries that depend on reliable logistics corridors.
The terminal also supports agricultural exports and regional value chains. Each year, thousands of cashew farmers in Casamance (south of Senegal) and Guinea-Bissau rely on access to global markets through Dakar, shipping their harvests to buyers in Asia.
Today, the terminal employs approximately 730 people, 99% of whom are Senegalese, whose expertise contributes to operations in Dakar and across DP World’s global network.
Clarence Rodrigues, CEO of DP World Dakar, said: “Handling our 10 millionth container reflects the scale of transformation achieved at Dakar over the past decade. Through sustained investment, technological innovation and the dedication of our people, we have strengthened Dakar’s role as a reliable gateway for Senegal and the wider region. Continuous investment in talent development has also enabled our teams to operate advanced equipment remotely from a dedicated control room, demonstrating the progress of our operational capabilities.”
Senegal’s maritime sector is entering a new phase with the development of the Port of Ndayane, being built by DP World in partnership with British International Investment. Located approximately 50 km from the city, the new port will enable future capacity expansion and more efficient inland logistics, addressing the physical and urban constraints of the existing Dakar terminal. The port is currently under construction and progressing on schedule.