Africa’s ports and shipping networks are undergoing a major transformation. The global maritime industry is making steady progress toward reducing emissions due to new regulations, changes in fuel technology, and increasing pressure from international trading partners. The pace of this transition has been challenging for many African countries, but the consequences of not adapting could be far greater.
Global changes reshaping shipping
The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2023 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy sets a clear target that the shipping industry must achieve net-zero emissions around 2050. This global direction is already visible. Green methanol-fueled vessels are beginning to enter service, and major ports in Europe and Asia are gearing up for ammonia and other alternative fuels. Equipment such as electric cranes, digital yard systems and shore power connections are becoming mainstream in developed marine hubs.
Africa’s starting point is very different. Many ports still rely on diesel-powered machinery, lack environmentally friendly fueling infrastructure, and operate older vessels on local routes. This creates a gap between global progress and local preparedness. However, this change is inevitable, especially as green compliance becomes more relevant to market access.
Africa’s crisis and the need for adaptation
Although Africa contributes relatively little to global ocean emissions, it is highly exposed to climate impacts. Sea level rise and extreme weather events will impact coastal infrastructure, ports and trade corridors. At the same time, international regulations and market mechanisms such as the European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) are increasing the importance of low-carbon transport for exporters.
For example, CBAM requires exporters to consider emissions from production and transportation. This could increase the cost of African goods imported into Europe if the supply chain is not in line with greener standards. Avoiding such penalties will depend, in part, on implementing cleaner port operations, better monitoring systems, and more efficient logistics.
Financing the transition: a central challenge
The transition to low-carbon maritime operations requires long-term investment in infrastructure, energy systems and technology. For developing countries, the scale of funding required is enormous.
Gareth Phillips, the African Development Bank’s climate and environmental finance manager, says the African Development Bank is a key player in supporting this transition. A practical example is the port of Cotonou, where AfDB has funded climate change measures to combat sea level rise. This enabled Benin to receive US$18 million in concessional co-financing from Canada’s AfDB Climate Change Facility. Without such structured support, it would have been difficult to secure this level of climate-smart financing.
Phillips explains that green port projects will attract stronger international support if they demonstrate additional benefits such as community resilience, improved safety, and gender-inclusive development. This approach can help African ports build a stronger case for funding, but requires careful planning and technical preparation.
Align policies to global standards
Regulation is at the heart of ocean transitions. IMO’s GHG strategy, reporting requirements, emissions monitoring and fuel standards will have a direct impact on port operations and shipping access in the coming years.
James N’anga, AfDB ports and shipping expert, said the bank will work closely with African governments to align their maritime policies with these international rules. In Seychelles, the Bank is supporting the Seychelles Ports Authority in developing its 2025-2030 strategic investment plan to ensure climate resilience and environmental sustainability are integrated into future port development.
In Namibia, Nga points out that the AfDB and the Korean government are supporting the development of green port policies, strategies and investment plans. Implementation is scheduled to begin in 2026, establishing a structured pathway for sustainable port operations.
These policy frameworks aim to keep African ports connected to global shipping standards, protect competitiveness and reduce long-term operational risks.
Collaboration with strategic partners
African ports will not transition alone. Cooperation with development banks, port authorities and global shipping companies is essential. AfDB emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts to reduce knowledge gaps, share best practices, and implement practical solutions.
Nga highlights one example. AfDB technical assistance to South Africa’s Transnet to design energy efficiency measures and develop renewable energy options for port operations. These partnerships will enable African ports to improve their performance while preparing for the low carbon requirements expected from international airlines.
Why does it cost money to do nothing?
The costs of slowing decarbonization are not limited to environmental risks. Trade competitiveness is also at stake. If African ports are below global standards, shipping companies may choose more efficient or greener routes. Under mechanisms such as CBAM, exporters may be subject to higher fines. If ports are not equipped to deal with climate impacts or meet compliance requirements, cargo delays, disruptions and insurance costs can rise.
Phillips points out that by adopting cleaner technologies, improving emissions reporting and incorporating climate considerations into port investments, African exporters can avoid unnecessary costs and enhance access to international markets.
Building a green and blue economy
AfDB is exploring new financing solutions to support long-term ocean sustainability. Although the bank does not yet have a dedicated ocean decarbonization fund, its activities align with broader development priorities such as resilient infrastructure and resource mobilization under the president’s Four Fundamentals.
Phillips points to new tools such as the Adaptation Benefits Mechanism, which aims to channel solidarity taxes from high-emitting industries into climate recovery projects. Such tools could help ports build infrastructure that withstands sea level rise, extreme weather events, and other climate-related risks.
Across the continent, there is growing interest in blue economy strategies. These programs integrate maritime transport, coastal tourism, fisheries and renewable ocean energy into national development plans. Over time, such strategies could support a broader transition to a greener and more sustainable ocean economy.
Preparing for a new maritime era
The global transition to low-carbon shipping is accelerating. For Africa, the transition is complex but necessary. Although the continent did not cause the increase in ocean emissions, its ports and exporters must adapt to remain competitive in a world where sustainability standards influence trade decisions.
Decarbonization is no longer an option. It is now tied to market access, cost efficiency and long-term resilience. The question going forward is not whether change will occur, but rather how quickly Africa’s ports can prepare and how effectively they can mobilize the necessary support.
The coming years will determine whether Africa’s maritime gateway can operate in a global shipping environment shaped by new fuels, new technologies and new expectations.
