While “CMA CGM” saw a 72.6% decrease in profits in the third quarter of 2025, reaching $749 million, and “Maersk” profits fell to $1.3 billion, Africa remains among the few destinations that offer high shipping rates. For example, the cost of shipping a container from China to Lagos is $5,000, and to Dakar $4,500, which is almost double the prices on routes heading towards Europe and North America.
Although the African continent represents only less than 8% of the global container export volume, it is considered an active and vital market, driven by the significant increase in Chinese exports to Africa, which rose by 25% during the first nine months of 2025. The West Coast still maintains its position as a major hub for European transport, despite the significant expansion of Chinese companies in the region.
This strong trade movement reinforces the International Monetary Fund’s expectations of achieving economic growth of 4.1% in 2025 and 4.4% in 2026 in West Africa.
Shipping companies are making significant investments in infrastructure to boost their profits.
“CMA CGM” has established partnerships to operate new terminals in both Congo and Morocco, while “MSC” acquired 16 terminals in Africa as part of the Bolloré deal worth $5.7 billion. In addition, deep-water ports allow the reception of giant ships, as happened when the ship “MSC Turkey,” which has a capacity of 24,000 containers, docked at the Kribi port in Cameroon.
Despite some obstacles and challenges, such as “MSC’s” decision to suspend land transport operations to Mali, Africa remains an attractive and strong market, thanks to high prices, continuous demand, and the rapid development of infrastructure.
