African leaders have been urged to establish inland ports through public-private partnerships (PPPs) to catalyse job creation, revenue generation and economic growth at no cost to the government.
The call was made by a United States (U.S.)-trained maritime and anti-piracy security expert, Alfred Oniye, in a position document sent to The Guardian. Oniye, who is also the Secretary General of the Merchant Seafarers Association of Nigeria (MSAN), stated that the maritime sector is a pivotal element of global commerce, crucial for Africa’s economic development.
He emphasised that developing inland ports could enhance the efficiency of cargo movement from coastal areas to the continent’s interior, thus reducing congestion and improving access to international markets.
He proposed PPP as a sustainable development model, noting that the collaboration between government entities and private sector investors would share resources, risks and rewards.
According to him, the approach would enable substantial infrastructure project development without direct government financial investment. Oniye outlined a clear five-step plan for establishing the inland ports, which includes adjusting policy frameworks and regulatory reforms, conducting detailed feasibility studies, strategic planning, engaging private investors and focusing on infrastructure development as well as operational management.
He also highlighted the direct benefits of PPP-driven inland ports, such as significant job creation in both maritime and ancillary sectors, potential revenue generation through various service fees, increased trade activities and broader economic growth through enhanced trade efficiency.
Illustrating the viability of the proposal, Oniye referenced successful PPP examples in other African nations such as Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire, where such partnerships have led to substantial infrastructure development at no minimal costs to the states.
He said that PPPs are a vital tool for African governments seeking to enhance their maritime infrastructure while managing fiscal constraints, aligning with broader economic goals, and integrating more fully into the global economy.
Oniye’s call to action encourages African leaders to adopt this innovative approach, which promises to leverage private investment and expertise to achieve economic transformation without burdening government budgets.
