The commencement of maritime works for the $1.2 billion Port of Ndayane, marked by the arrival of the dredger Willem Van Rubroeck, signals a transformative phase in Senegal’s trade infrastructure. This ambitious project is poised to establish Senegal as a significant hub for global and regional trade, fostering economic growth and creating extensive employment opportunities.
Key Features and Development Plans
- Phase 1 Construction:
- Infrastructure:
- An 840-meter quay.
- A 5 km-long shipping channel, dredged to accommodate the world’s largest container ships.
- Capacity:
- Capable of handling 1.2 million TEUs annually.
- Infrastructure:
- Phase 2 Expansion:
- The addition of a 410-meter quay enhances capacity further.
- Economic Zone Development:
- Planned near the port and Blaise Diagne International Airport, expected to generate substantial employment beyond port operations.
Economic and Strategic Impacts
- Addressing Capacity Constraints:
- The Port of Dakar, limited by its urban location, has expanded from handling 300,000 TEUs in 2008 to 800,000 TEUs in 2023.
- The Ndayane project offers a strategic solution to alleviate these constraints and sustain long-term growth.
- GDP Growth and Trade Value:
- British International Investment (BII) estimates the port will:
- Boost Senegal’s GDP by 3%.
- Add $15 billion in trade value by 2035.
- British International Investment (BII) estimates the port will:
- Job Creation:
- Over 1,800 jobs during construction.
- Long-term support for 2.3 million jobs, with 22,000 jobs directly tied to expanded trade.
- Regional Leadership:
- By enabling seamless handling of large vessels and increasing trade flows, Ndayane is set to position Senegal as a logistics leader in West Africa.
Commitment and Collaboration
- DP World’s Vision:
- Building on its success at the Port of Dakar, DP World aims to enhance Senegal’s regional trade connectivity.
- Group Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem highlighted the broader ambition to strengthen Senegal’s economic infrastructure and elevate its trade status.
- Partnerships:
- The collaboration between DP World and BII underscores international confidence in Senegal’s economic potential.
The Port of Ndayane is a landmark project, representing a bold step forward in Senegal’s journey towards becoming a regional trade powerhouse. By addressing current infrastructural limitations, fostering employment, and unlocking substantial trade opportunities, the project is expected to have far-reaching impacts on Senegal’s economy and its role in global trade networks.
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Source: DP WORLD