The deep-sea port at Lekki, located in Nigeria’s Lekki Free Zone, has emerged as a pivotal player in Africa’s regional economic integration.
Positioned 65 kilometers from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, the port is not only the largest in the country but also one of West Africa’s most advanced.
Since commencing operations in April 2023, the Lekki Port, with an annual handling capacity of 1.2 million containers, has served as a vital trade hub for Nigeria and its neighboring regions.
A collaborative effort between China, France, and Nigeria, the port exemplifies Africa’s “corridor development” strategy, an approach gaining momentum with the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
This strategy integrates transport, trade, resources, and logistics into “development corridors,” fostering sustainable growth across borders.
Experts highlight its transformative potential, with projects like the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) complementing the Lekki Port to enhance intra-African connectivity.
A Step Toward Regional Integration
Regional integration remains a cornerstone of Africa’s development agenda, as endorsed by the African Union (AU).
Initiatives such as the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), launched in 2012, aim to bolster the continent’s infrastructure.
Over 400 transnational projects are currently in development under PIDA’s framework, addressing critical gaps in transport, energy, and communication networks.
In 2021, the AU adopted the “Integrated Corridor Approach” to advance PIDA’s Phase II.
This model emphasizes synergy between sectors and regions, ensuring that infrastructure projects are inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with the AU’s Agenda 2063.
“Development corridors are not just physical roads,” says Bah Traoré of the West Africa Citizen Think Tank.
“They are strategic networks that link industrial hubs and global markets, driving economic growth and integration.”
China’s Role in Africa’s Connectivity
China has emerged as a crucial partner in Africa’s infrastructure development.
Through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, Chinese investment has significantly contributed to regional connectivity.
According to the 2024 Sino-African Cooperation Report, Chinese firms have constructed or refurbished over 10,000 kilometers of railways and nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads across Africa.
“The projects developed under the BRI reduce intra-African trade costs and pave the way for long-term economic gains,” said Amadou Maleine Niang of Senegal’s International Budget Partnership.
As the continent accelerates its integration efforts, initiatives like Lekki Port and the broader development corridor framework are set to redefine Africa’s economic landscape, creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and sustainable growth.
