• Total traffic rose to 29.66 million tonnes in 2025, up from 24.58 million tonnes in 2024.

• Liquid bulk volumes surged 108%, while imports and exports both posted solid gains.

• Port revenue increased to CFA85.6 billion ($153.7 million), reflecting higher activity levels.

The Port of Dakar recorded higher activity levels in 2025. Total traffic reached 29.66 million tonnes, compared with 24.58 million tonnes a year earlier. Imports drove this performance as volumes increased from 18.28 million tonnes to 20.06 million tonnes. Exports also supported growth as volumes rose to 9.63 million tonnes from 6.30 million tonnes in 2024.

In detail, the liquid bulk segment posted a sharp increase of 108%, reaching 6.46 million tonnes. By contrast, container traffic grew at a slower pace, with 908,529 TEUs handled compared with 881,289 TEUs the previous year.

This increase in activity also boosted the port’s financial performance. Revenue reached CFA85.6 billion (about $153.7 million), up from CFA77.3 billion in 2024.

This rebound contrasts with the previous year’s underperformance, when total volumes declined by 16%, according to data from the National Agency of Statistics and Demography (ANSD). The ongoing recovery appears to validate the Port of Dakar’s strategic shift toward conventional cargo segments to maintain competitiveness.

This strategy comes as competition intensifies, particularly with the development of the future deep-water port of Ndayane.

In line with this approach, authorities launched a modernization project for Mole 4 in December 2025. The facility handles general cargo and bulk agricultural products. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy that includes the development of dry ports and the modernization of road and rail corridors.

These efforts support the objectives of the “Senegal 2050” plan, presented in October 2024, which aims to position the country as an emerging economy by mid-century.

This article was initially published in French by Henoc Dossa

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum