By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Salih Levent Kacar, Managing Director of Alport Gambia, announced an ambitious vision to transform the Port of Banjul into a regional hub for transit trade in West Africa.
Speaking at a stakeholder conference held at a local hotel in Banjul, Kacar outlined a strategic plan to enhance cross-border trade, reduce business costs, and foster economic resilience across the region. The conference drew participants from The Gambia, Mali, Guinea Conakry, and Guinea-Bissau, signaling strong regional interest in the initiative.
“Today, as West Africa strives to attain its full trade potential, Alport Banjul is preparing to rise as the gateway for transit trade, linking landlocked countries and coastal nations to the global economy,” Kacar declared. “Our inspiration is clear: to transform Banjul Port into a leading hub for transit trade in West Africa.”
Kacar emphasized that the vision rests on three key pillars: connectivity, innovation and efficiency, and sustainability and growth. “Connectivity will ensure that goods move more efficiently, safely, and reliably across borders, reinforcing Banjul’s route as a natural gateway to the hinterland,” he explained. By modernizing operations through advanced technology, capacity building, and infrastructure that meets international standards, Alport aims to boost efficiency. Additionally, the company is committed to sustainable growth that respects the environment and uplifts communities dependent on the port.
Kacar noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and ECOWAS trade corridors present unprecedented opportunities. “Banjul Port is determined not only to participate but to lead, becoming the port that landlocked nations can rely on and users can trust,” he said. He envisioned the port as a symbol of progress, not just handling cargo but driving economic development, opening opportunities, and reducing poverty through job creation. “This is a port that unites geographies,” Kacar added, highlighting the potential for regional cooperation with government support and private-sector partnerships.
Ousman Jobarteh, Managing Director of the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), echoed Kacar’s enthusiasm, recalling The Gambia’s historical role as a subregional trade hub in the 1990s, often referred to as the “supermarket of the subregion” due to its free port status for Mali. “The glory that the country used to enjoy is what GPA and Alport are trying to regain with this forum,” Jobarteh said. He highlighted recent improvements in port efficiency, addressing long-standing challenges such as vessel handling speed and cost. Since Alport was granted the concession to operate the Port of Banjul six months ago, ship waiting times have decreased, and operational efficiency has increased significantly.
“This meeting is an opportunity for our esteemed collaborators from regional countries to explore the efficiency improvements realized at the port,” Jobarteh stated. He revealed plans to create logistics platforms within The Gambia to shorten transit distances for regional partners. “The strategy now is to get our collaborators to see the space allocated to handle both their import and export cargo,” he added, emphasizing the port’s readiness to support regional trade.
Jobarteh also addressed Africa’s limited participation in global maritime trade, citing 2024 figures indicating that over 2.7% of Africa’s exports are raw materials. He urged regional businesses to add value to products like cashew, ore, and cotton before export. “By establishing value-added activities, we can reduce the balance of trade deficit and improve the economic livelihood of our citizens,” he said, appealing to partners from Mali, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea-Conakry to leverage Banjul’s capabilities.
The conference also featured remarks from Babucarr Njie, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gambia Ports Authority, and Rafael Mendy, Seaport Manager of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA). Both leaders called for strengthened trade and regional collaboration, underscoring the port’s role in fostering economic ties across West Africa.
The initiative aligns with broader regional goals to enhance trade under frameworks like AfCFTA and ECOWAS. By positioning Banjul as a reliable and efficient transit hub, Alport Gambia and the GPA aim to unlock economic opportunities for landlocked and coastal nations alike. The transformation of Banjul Port could mark a turning point for The Gambia, restoring its historical prominence as a trade gateway and catalyzing economic growth across the region.
