By All in Maritime News | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
As Africa’s ports grow busier and more complex, a shadow threat is growing in parallel: cargo theft. From organized theft rings at container yards to petty pilferage during inland transit, insurers, port operators, and exporters are sounding the alarm.
The consequences are staggering. According to the African Shippers’ Council (ASC), more than $320 million in goods were lost to cargo theft across key African ports in 2024, a 19% increase over the previous year. Ports in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and the DRC were listed among the highest-risk areas.
1. How Cargo Theft Happens
The methods are increasingly sophisticated:
- Seal tampering and replacement on containers.
- Theft during unescorted inland transit.
- False documentation at release points.
- Bribery of warehouse or port officials.
- Use of cloned or fake trucking companies.
Commonly targeted goods:
- Electronics and appliances
- Pharmaceuticals
- Cocoa, coffee, and spices
- Alcohol and cigarettes
- Auto parts
2. Insurance Implications: Are You Covered?
Not all cargo theft losses are automatically covered.
Most marine cargo policies require:
- Proof of forcible entry or tampering.
- Evidence the goods were in custody of a covered party.
- Notification to authorities and issuance of a police report or protest letter.
- Claims to be filed within the stipulated notification window (often 7–14 days).
Key policy types:
- Institute Cargo Clauses (A, B, or C)
- Inland Transit Addendums
- Warehouse-to-Warehouse Cover
“Many African traders don’t realize that theft at unregistered depots or while in custody of informal hauliers may void their claim,” says Priscilla Musoke, Cargo Underwriter at Jubilee Allianz Kenya.
3. What Observater Sees on the Ground
To understand how theft is affecting exporters and claims, All in Maritime News contacted Eng. Daniel Esilaba, Managing Director of Observater Surveys and Services Ltd, one of East Africa’s leading marine and cargo survey authorities.
“In 2025 alone, we’ve handled over 70 theft-linked survey cases in Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique,” said Esilaba. “The patterns are evolving—thieves are now using GPS jammers, swapping container seals mid-transit, and impersonating licensed truckers. We’ve also encountered cases where cargo manifests were altered after customs clearance.”
Observater is increasingly tasked with:
- Conducting cargo integrity checks at container stripping.
- Issuing Letters of Protest to carriers and terminal operators.
- Analyzing CCTV and gate-in/gate-out logs.
- Supporting insurers with chain-of-custody evidence to validate claims.
“We always advise shippers to invest in tamper-evident security seals, GPS-monitored transit, and conduct condition inspections at every custody change,” Esilaba added. “Too often, a claim fails because there’s a documentation gap at one crucial point.”
4. Port Security Measures: A Mixed Picture
While several major ports are investing in tighter controls, implementation varies:
Positive developments:
- Durban and Mombasa now require electronic truck pre-clearance.
- Tema and Lagos have expanded CCTV coverage and drone patrols.
- Walvis Bay introduced biometric gate access for drivers.
Challenges persist:
- Corruption and insider collusion.
- Delayed integration of port and customs security databases.
- Under-reporting due to fear of reputational harm.
5. What Traders Can Do: A Cargo Security Checklist
To reduce risk and strengthen your claims:
- Use ISO 17712-compliant high-security seals.
- Book with licensed, bonded transporters only.
- Demand gate photos and timestamped release notes.
- Install real-time GPS and tamper alert systems.
- Conduct arrival surveys and condition reports.
- Keep meticulous documentation for all custody exchanges.
Conclusion: Secure Cargo, Stronger Trade
Cargo theft remains a serious but preventable threat. Through tighter controls, smarter technology, and rigorous documentation, African exporters can protect their goods and ensure their insurance policies serve their intended purpose.
As Observater continues to support stakeholders with on-the-ground forensic inspections and real-time reporting, the industry moves one step closer to a safer and more accountable cargo environment.
Contact Observater at: ops@obsevater.com or www.observater.com
Contact: news@allinmaritime.com
Tel: +27 063 069 1191
Offices: Durban | Dar es Salaam | Nairobi | Dubai
Website: www.allinmaritime.com
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