After much anticipation, on Monday, 3 January 2022, Senegal President Macky Sall laid the foundation stone for the construction of the incredible deep-water port being constructed by DP World at Ndayane. The port will be constructed in phases, and is expected to bring greater prosperity, economic growth, and jobs to Senegal.
We’re taking a closer look at this new port, and sharing all the important facts with you. Here’s what you need to know.
The Investment
DP World Dakar is a joint venture between the Dubai-based logistics provider and the Port Authority of Dakar (PAD). The investment of $1.13bn is the biggest private investment in the West African country. During the first phase of the Port of Ndayane development, it is expected that nearly $837m will be invested. In phase two of the development, the company will invest around $290m.
The Development
According to DP World, phase one of the development will include 840 metres of quay. It will also include a 5kn marine channel that has been designed to handle 366-metre vessels. The second phase of the development will add 410 metres of container quay and further dredging to handle 400-metre vessels.
The port will be used for both commercial and residential waterfront, and there will be a cruise terminal. DP World is also planning to develop a special economic zone next to the Ndayane port.
The Location
The new port is located at Ndayane, which is about 50km down the coast from the existing, highly congested port of Dakar. It is also close to Blaise Diagne International Airport. With Senegal being one of the fastest growing countries in Africa, this new port is expected to accelerate economic growth and reinforce Dakar’s role as a major logistics hub and a gateway to west and north-west Africa.
Looking Further
In addition to the new port, the Senegalese government also wants to build a $2bn, 1500km railway line between DP World’s new port at Dakar and Bamako. “I believe that DP World’s SEZ located beside the port and the planned railway development between Dakar and Bamako will attract many more foreign investors to the country. These are strategic infrastructure projects of regional importance,” says Papa Sall, Citi’s country officer for Senegal and head of west and central Africa.
We look forward to seeing the progress of this new port! .