Landlocked Countries in Africa: What They Are and Why It Matters

Africa is a vast and diverse continent with 54 countries. While many African countries enjoy access to the ocean, others do not. These countries are called landlocked countries, and they face unique economic and geographical challenges.

In this article, we’ll explain:

• What a landlocked country is

• The list of landlocked countries in Africa

• The challenges and opportunities they face

• Examples of how some are overcoming these challenges

🌍 What is a Landlocked Country?

A landlocked country is a country that has no coastline, meaning it is completely surrounded by land or borders only other countries. It does not have direct access to the sea.

This is important because:

• Most international trade happens by sea

• Having a coastline makes it easier and cheaper to import and export goods

• Landlocked countries must rely on neighbouring countries’ ports

See>>> 100 Fun and Interesting Facts About Africa for Kids

How Many Landlocked Countries Are in Africa?

There are 16 landlocked countries in Africa. Some are among the poorest in the world, while others are developing fast.

List of Landlocked African Countries

Challenges Landlocked African Countries Face

1. Lack of Direct Sea Access

1. Makes international trade more expensive and slower.

2. Goods must pass through other countries’ ports and borders.

2. Dependence on Neighbouring Countries

• Rely on ports in coastal nations (e.g., Ethiopia depends on Djibouti).

• Political instability in neighbour countries can disrupt supply routes.

3. High Transport Costs

• Goods must travel long distances by road or rail.

• Increases the price of goods and makes exports less competitive.

4. Limited Economic Opportunities

• Harder to grow industries like shipping, tourism (beach tourism), and fishing.

• Infrastructure (roads, railways) is often underdeveloped.

Examples of Trade Challenges

• Ethiopia used to have access to the sea through Eritrea, but after their separation in 1993, Ethiopia became landlocked. Now it relies heavily on Djibouti’s port, transporting over 90% of its imports through it.

• Mali and Niger depend on ports in Senegal or Côte d’Ivoire for trade. If those borders close, trade suffers immediately.

See>>> Top 10 Biggest Countries in Africa by Size and Population

How Landlocked African Countries Are Adapting

Despite the challenges, many landlocked African countries are innovating and adapting:

1. Regional Partnerships

• Countries form trade partnerships (like ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area – AfCFTA) to ease border restrictions.

• Agreements help goods move faster through customs.

2. Transport Corridors

• Special railways and roads link landlocked countries to coastal ports.

• Example: The North-South Corridor connects Zambia and Zimbabwe to ports in South Africa.

3. Dry Ports

• Some countries build “dry ports”—inland cargo terminals that work like sea ports for customs and logistics.

• Example: Ethiopia’s Modjo Dry Port helps manage cargo from Djibouti.

4. Investment in Infrastructure

• New highways, rail lines, and bridges are helping countries move goods faster and cheaper.

See>>> Top 10 Largest Countries in Africa by Size and Population

🌟 Some Fast-Growing Landlocked African Countries

🇷🇼 Rwanda

• Known for safety, digital innovation, and tourism.

• Strong air transport (RwandAir) connects it globally despite no sea.

🇧🇼 Botswana

• Rich in diamonds and minerals.

• Uses South African ports and good road infrastructure.

🇺🇬 Uganda

• Uses Kenya’s port in Mombasa.

• Major exports include coffee, tea, and gold.

🇿🇲 Zambia

• Landlocked, but key player in copper exports.

• Connected to Dar es Salaam port in Tanzania through the TAZARA railway.

🔍 Did You Know?

• Africa has the most landlocked countries of any continent (16 out of 54).

• Lesotho is not only landlocked—it is the only country in the world completely surrounded by another single country (South Africa).

• South Sudan, the newest African country (independent since 2011), is also landlocked.

📊 Economic Impact of Being Landlocked

According to the World Bank, landlocked developing countries (LLDCs):

• Have 30% lower GDP per capita compared to coastal countries.

• Spend up to 50% more on importing and exporting goods.

👉 Source: World Bank on LLDCs

See>>> 20 Most Developed Countries in Africa

✈️ Air and Digital Trade: The Future?

While sea trade dominates now, things are changing:

• Air cargo is growing fast in landlocked countries like Rwanda and Uganda.

• Digital trade and services (like tech startups, outsourcing, etc.) don’t need seaports.

• Many African nations are investing in internet access, digital ID systems, and fintech.

🧠 Conclusion

Landlocked countries in Africa face real problems—but they are not without hope. With smart investments, better trade partnerships, and improved transport, many are rising above their challenges.

From Rwanda’s digital growth to Botswana’s stable economy, landlocked African nations are showing the world that geography is not destiny.

Whether you are a student, tourist, investor, or policy-maker, it’s important to understand both the limits and the potential of landlocked African countries.