AI adoption could trigger economic disruptions in African ports – Dantsoho

Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, the Director General of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has cautioned that the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in port operations across Africa could lead to substantial economic disruptions due to rising cyberattacks targeting maritime infrastructure. Addressing the recent African Ports Conference in Casablanca, Morocco, Dantsoho highlighted that cyberattacks on ports could disrupt cargo handling, delay shipments, and interrupt trade, exposing African economies to significant financial losses as port operators increasingly adopt digital technologies.

Emphasizing the need for stronger cybersecurity measures, the NPA chief called for enhanced regional intelligence sharing and the establishment of common digital standards across African ports to mitigate the emerging threats associated with digitalization and AI adoption. Drawing parallels with past cyber incidents, Dantsoho pointed to the 2021 cyberattack on South Africa's Transnet, which forced the country's container terminals to declare force majeure, and the 2023 disruptions to the Port of Nagoya and DP World terminals in Australia, which caused days-long interruptions to trade.

He stressed that these incidents were not merely information technology (IT) problems but significant interruptions to global trade.

Dantsoho underscored that while AI can enhance port operations, cybersecurity is essential to ensure that ports can function effectively. He emphasized that improved digital coordination and stronger cybersecurity safeguards are critical to protecting port operations and sustaining trade as African nations expand their adoption of advanced technologies.

The warning comes as African ports rely more on digital systems for cargo movement, shipping documentation, and other critical port activities, making cybersecurity an increasingly important aspect of maritime infrastructure protection.