African ports in acceleration

August 4, 2025

Camco at work in Ghana, Kenya, and Benin. Africa’s ports are undergoing a quiet but profound transformation. What was once seen as an infrastructural disadvantage is now rapidly evolving into a story of digital modernization. With new projects in Ghana, Kenya, and Benin, Camco Technologies is supporting this growth – not as a supplier, but as a partner in progress.

Why ports matter for Africa

Africa is growing. Population growth, urbanization, and rising domestic consumption are driving trade and logistics – and placing increasing pressure on port infrastructure. At the same time, more and more African countries are embracing regional trade through initiatives.

  • In African port infrastructure alone, over $100 billion in upgrades and expansions is planned
  • The growth comes with high demands for efficiency, safety, and scalability
  • African container traffic continues to grow at 6 % to 8% annually
  • African terminals are increasingly turning to advanced automation solutions
  • Ports such as Mombasa, Tema, and Cotonou are becoming essential gateways
  • Camco is working on major automation projects in Tema, Mombasa and Cotonou

The technology Camco provides reduces human error, manages traffic flow, and improves safety – all vital in a sector where every minute counts and where incidents have both human and economic consequences.

Cotonou, Benin

The Port Autonome de Cotonou is Benin’s main sea – port, handling 90% of the country’s foreign trade. With an ambitious modernization plan, PAC aims to reach an annual capacity of 15 million tons and 800,000 TEU by 2026, reinforcing its role as a logistics hub in West Africa. The African Development Bank recently allocated €80 million to upgrade port infrastructure, including digital monitoring systems and new quay cranes.

  • Parking Zongo Nord and Sud feature automated entry and exit lanes for trucks and OOG traffic, equipped with OCR, RFID, and integrated parking management.
  • Gate Accès Centralisé provides controlled access to and from the port with separate lanes for light vehicles and trucks, including OCR, RFID, and OOG capabilities.
  • General pedestrian access control ensures a secure and monitored environment.
Aerial view of Cotonou, Benin

Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority manages the country’s key ports, including Tema and Takoradi. With a vision to become the leading trade and logistics hub of West Africa, GPHA continues to invest in modern infrastructure and efficient services to support regional trade. GPHA recently deployed 15 new heavy-duty trucks to improve cargo throughput at the quay.

GPHA via contractor ACVL

  • Automated Gate Solution for 7 GPHA gates (OCR portals + kiosk lanes).
  • VBS system integrated into the The BRIDGE platform.
  • RFID and fingerprint enrolment for truck drivers.

Kenya Ports Authority Mombasa, Kenya

The Kenya Ports Authority manages the Port of Mombasa, the largest and busiest port in East Africa. It serves as a vital trade gateway to the Indian Ocean for several landlocked East African countries. Ongoing tenders aim to rehabilitate four berths. KPA is seeking public-private partnerships to accelerate infrastructure modernization.

Kenya via contractor Brinker Solutions

  • Phase I of the Automated Gate Solution deployed at one of the eleven KPA gates.
  • Phase II in preparation to equip the remaining ten gates.
  • Rail OCR solution under development.
Aerial view of Mombasa, Kenya

Common threads across projects

Whether it’s a top-tier terminal in West Africa or a national port authority in East Africa, we see the same needs and ambitions everywhere. For Camco, this means thinking along with our clients, delivering tailored solutions, and ensuring that technology not only gets installed – but truly works.

  • Improved traceability of cargo and vehicles
  • Faster and more reliable access systems
  • Integration with other systems in the logistics chain
  • Enhanced safety and predictability

From local port to regional hub

Automation isn’t just about working faster. In the African context, it’s about contributing to broader ambitions. A well-functioning port acts as a lever for national economies, regional cooperation, and global trade. Camco’s technology helps make that possible – today in Tema, Mombasa, and Cotonou, and tomorrow in other ports ready for the future.

At home in Africa

From Tangier to Durban, from the Atlantic coast to the horn of Africa – Camco has been active across the African continent for many years. Our technology supports logistics in ports and terminals across a wide variety of regions – always adapted to the local context, always built on collaboration and trust.