Over 96% of South Africa's imports and exports move by sea transportation.
With a coastline of about 2,800 kilometres, the country is a gateway to many landlocked Southern African nations.
Southern African Development Community (SADC) committees found that only 25% of transport delays occur due to physical infrastructure problems, while 75% stem from poor facilitation of existing infrastructure.
This brief argues that Ports may be the gateway to global trade, but South Africa’s economic reach depends on the corridors that connect them to inland and regional markets: https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/from-port-to-market-strengthening-south-africa-s-hinterland-connectivity
orfonline.org
From Port to Market: Strengthening South Africa’s Hinterland Connectivity
August 27, 2026 688 1
