CMA CGM backs Senegal’s Ndayane port project for Atlantic trade hub
During a meeting in Nairobi on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Forum, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye discussed Senegal’s ambitious logistics plans with Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM. The focal point of their discussion was the transformative potential of the Ndayane port project, positioned to elevate Senegal as a key logistics gateway on Africa’s Atlantic coastline.
In their Nairobi meeting, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Rodolphe Saadé explored how the Ndayane port and its adjacent special economic zone could reshape Senegal’s economic landscape. The project is designed to catalyze sustainable job creation, boost cross-border trade flows, and significantly enhance national revenue streams through enhanced logistics efficiency.
The Ndayane port initiative aligns with Senegal’s broader vision to establish itself as a premier logistics hub along the African Atlantic seaboard. By leveraging its strategic coastal position, the country aims to attract international shipping traffic and foster economic integration within West Africa and beyond.
The CMA CGM Group, a global leader in maritime transport and logistics with operations spanning over 170 countries and a fleet of around 700 container vessels, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Senegal’s economic and logistics development trajectory. This partnership underscores the growing collaboration between international logistics giants and African nations seeking to modernize their port infrastructures.
Key benefits of the Ndayane port project
- Economic diversification: Reduces reliance on traditional sectors by fostering a vibrant logistics and trade ecosystem.
- Job creation: Expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
- Trade expansion: Strengthens Senegal’s position as a critical transit point for goods moving between Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
- Revenue growth: Enhanced port operations are projected to increase customs and port-related revenues, contributing to national development funds.
With CMA CGM’s backing, the Ndayane port is poised to become a cornerstone of Senegal’s economic strategy, driving growth and connectivity in the region.



