Gambiaj.com – (Ndayane, Senegal) – The arrival of the Willem Van Rubroeck dredger ship at the port site in Ndayane marks a significant milestone in Senegal’s ambitious $1.2 billion port project. Spearheaded by DP World in partnership with the Senegalese government, the Ndayane deep-water port aims to alleviate congestion at the Autonomous Port of Dakar and elevate Senegal as a regional logistics powerhouse.

Located 70 kilometers south of Dakar, the port project has transitioned from its initial groundwork, which began two years ago, to full-scale construction. The early stages saw the development of a protective dike spanning 575 meters by 2,500 linear meters, with a width of 10 meters, and a 300-hectare container terminal. With maritime dredging now underway, work focuses on deepening a five-kilometer channel to accommodate the world’s largest container ships.

The project will be executed in two phases. Phase one, slated for completion in December 2027, will deliver an 840-meter quay and an annual handling capacity of 1.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Phase two will include additional terminals, extending the quay by 410 meters and further solidifying Ndayane’s status as a key commercial hub in West Africa.

In addition to the port itself, plans include the establishment of an economic zone near the airport to facilitate integrated air-sea operations. These enhancements are designed to address the growing traffic at Dakar’s current port, which is constrained by its urban surroundings. DP World’s experience in Dakar, where annual traffic has surged from 300,000 TEUs in 2008 to 800,000 in 2023, underscores the urgent need for this expansion.

Economic and Employment Impact

Beyond enhancing Senegal’s logistics capabilities, the Ndayane project is expected to drive significant economic growth. DP World projects a 3% increase in Senegal’s GDP by 2035, contributing a commercial value of $15 billion. The construction phase alone is anticipated to create over 1,800 direct jobs, with port operations supporting 2.3 million jobs, including 22,000 directly tied to expanded commercial activities.

To meet labor demands, the recruitment company RMO hosted a session on November 22, 2024, at the Yenne town hall, offering roles ranging from technical positions like topographers and welders to supervisory and general labor roles.

A Strategic Vision for Regional Trade

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO of DP World, emphasized the transformative potential of the project. “This port positions Senegal as a key player in regional trade,” he noted. With support from British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance agency, the Ndayane port is poised to serve as a gateway for West African commerce, addressing current capacity constraints and meeting future trade demands.

As dredging operations proceed and construction ramps up, the Ndayane deep-water port symbolizes Senegal’s commitment to becoming a hub of economic growth and a leader in regional trade.