Business Africa Insider has revealed the top 10 African seaports—two in Morocco–that are crucial for defining Africa’s economic environment. The list, published on Thursday and sourced on the Bird TenX series, underscores the importance of these ports in connecting the continent to the global economy, where 90% of all traded goods move by sea.
Topping the list is Tanger-Med, a Moroccan industrial port complex located 45 km northeast of Tangier. Tanger-Med has emerged as Africa’s largest harbor, with a tremendous capacity to handle 9 million, 20-foot containers (TEUs), with the ability to export 1 million new vehicles annually. It also ferries 7 million passengers and 700,000 vehicles per year, reinforcing its position at the forefront of the continent’s shipping industry.
Coming closely behind is the Port of Casablanca, which is located near the Hassan II Mosque. Casablanca’s seaport ranks sixth among the top ten African ports, on the list, with a loading capacity of 1.3 million, 20-foot equivalent units, and transporting 21.3 million tons of cargo annually.
Casablanca’s advantageous location and huge potential have contributed considerably to Morocco’s and the region’s economic expansion.
As seaports continue to act as gateways to global trade, recognition of Tanger-Med and the Port of Casablanca highlights Morocco’s vital function in promoting trade and economic development in Africa. These ports not only handle the vast bulk of products transported within the continent and abroad, but they also play an important role in job development and international cooperation.