• Deals aim to boost investment, efficiency, and agricultural export capacity
• Move part of broader reforms to improve port performance and competitiveness

South African port authorities are moving forward with the privatization of port operations, awarding 25-year concessions at Durban’s Maydon Wharf to private operators.

African Port Logistics and Infrastructure and the BAL SA & Africa Global Logistics Consortium will operate the breakbulk terminal under deals granted by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). The concessions aim to attract private investment, modernize facilities, streamline logistics and strengthen Durban’s role as a key hub for agricultural exports, dry bulk and perishable goods.

African Port Logistics and Infrastructure was named preferred bidder for handling fresh produce and related bulk cargo, with a planned investment of 250 million rand (about $14.8 million). The BAL SA & Africa Global Logistics Consortium plans to invest 810 million rand to develop a multipurpose terminal focused on dry agricultural bulk and similar commodities.

Under the agreements, the operators will finance, design, build, operate and maintain the infrastructure before transferring it back to TNPA.

The concessions form part of broader reforms to restore the competitiveness of the Port of Durban, South Africa’s main maritime gateway. In 2024, the port handled about 75.3 million tonnes of cargo and 2.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units. Outside minerals, agricultural volumes have grown in importance, particularly citrus exports.

The shift toward private investment follows years of state control by Transnet, which oversees the country’s ports, rail and pipeline networks. The model has faced criticism over underperformance linked to limited investment, governance issues and repeated infrastructure vandalism. In October 2025, Transnet said it would invest $7.3 billion over five years as part of a broader overhaul.

Henoc Dossa