Egypt has achieved the top position in Africa for maritime connectivity, according to the latest data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (LSCI). As of the first quarter of 2026, Egypt's LSCI score reached 78.5, surpassing South Africa and Morocco.
The improvement is largely attributed to investments in port infrastructure, including expansions at the Port of Alexandria and the development of the new port at El Dabaa. These upgrades have increased container handling capacity and reduced turnaround times for vessels.
Egypt's strategic location along the Suez Canal, which handles about 12% of global trade, has also been a key factor. The country's maritime sector benefits from ongoing modernization efforts aimed at boosting efficiency and attracting more shipping lines.
This ranking underscores Egypt's growing role as a logistics hub in the region, with potential positive impacts on trade and economic growth. The UNCTAD index measures a country's integration into global liner shipping networks based on factors like number of ships, container capacity, and services.
