Cargo theft remains a significant challenge across Africa, with varying patterns depending on the region. Truck hijackings, port thefts, warehouse robberies, and maritime piracy all contribute to the disruption of supply chains, leading to financial losses and security concerns.
Truck hijackings
South Africa experiences the highest number of truck hijackings in the EMEA region, with over 67% of reported cases involving violence. Armed gangs target trucks carrying high-value goods such as electronics, food, cigarettes, and medicine. The high reporting rates in South Africa are linked to its advanced industrialisation rather than necessarily higher theft levels compared to other African countries.
In Nigeria, truck hijackings are common, particularly in industrial zones around Apapa and Lagos, where congestion increases vulnerability. However, infrastructure improvements have reduced incidents. Elsewhere in Africa, remote transport corridors connecting landlocked countries to ports are high-risk areas. Trucks carrying minerals and agricultural products, such as copper and cocoa, are often ambushed with corruption and insider involvement worsening the situation.
Cargo theft in ports
Although security measures have improved in African ports, theft still occurs, particularly during cargo discharge and transit. Thieves cut open bags, hide stolen goods under trucks, or manipulate weighing systems to divert cargo. Corruption and poverty drive many of these crimes, requiring continuous vigilance to maintain security.
Maritime Piracy
The Gulf of Guinea remains a piracy hotspot, with a 50% increase in incidents reported in 2019. However, improved security measures led to a 54% decline in maritime crime by 2021.
Warehouse thefts
Warehouses are frequent targets of robberies, often involving corruption among police or staff. Thieves break in through doors, roofs, or walls to steal cargo. Political instability exacerbates the situation, as seen last December in Mozambique, where protests led to warehouse lootings. Misappropriation, where trusted parties steal stored goods, is also prevalent, particularly for agricultural and petroleum products.
Container thefts
Cargo theft from containers is rising, with criminals using sophisticated techniques to tamper with seals. Additionally, Africa has become a transit point for drug trafficking from South America to Europe, increasing security risks for legitimate shipments.
Cargo theft remains a critical issue across Africa, affecting multiple sectors. Tackling the problem requires enhanced security, anti-corruption efforts, and regional cooperation to protect supply chains and minimize disruptions. The solutions to combat these thefts depend on the root causes and the specific circumstances of each country.
