United States moves to deepen port modernization with Nigeria and three other African countries
By Ifeanyi Onuoha
The United States government, through the U.S Trade and Development Agency, USTDA, is set to advance partnerships with Nigeria, Angola, Kenya and Senegal aimed at modernizing the countries port infrastructure and strengthening maritime security across Sub-Saharan Africa.
This initiative is designed to improve cargo handling efficiency, digitalize supply chains, and secure critical trade routes that connect African economies to global markets, says USTDA.
The engagement comes amid ongoing federal government’s efforts to modernize and expand seaports, reduce congestion at Apapa and Tin Can, and improve trade facilitation under the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.
USTDA has said it will host a 15-person delegation of senior port officials and technical decision-makers from the four countries in the United States from September 12 to 19, 2026.
The delegation will visit New York, Washington, D.C., and Wilmington, North Carolina, where participants will meet with U.S companies and observe demonstrations of American technologies for port automation, digital logistics, cybersecurity, and cargo scanning.
Tours are also scheduled at the Ports of New York and New Jersey, Liberty Bayonne, and Wilmington to showcase how the technologies are deployed to improve port operations and security.
As part of the engagement, USTDA will host a public business briefing in Washington on September 16 that will allow U.S firms to engage directly with the delegation on upcoming procurement plans, regulatory developments.
Key areas identified for collaboration include digital logistics and port management Slsolutions, tracking and data analytics services, material and cargo scanning technologies, industrial cybersecurity, and project financing.
According to USTDA, Sub-Saharan Africa’s ports serve as major hubs in global supply chains but require modernization to improve efficiency and security. The agency noted that U.S private sector solutions can help African governments achieve those policy goals.
