Traders in Abidjan, Dakar, Douala, Cotonou and Lomé have bought from Dubai for decades. The routes are well established, but each port has its own paperwork, and a missing cargo tracking note can hold a container for weeks. This guide covers shipping from Dubai to West Africa’s French-speaking countries and to Gabon.
Shipping from Dubai to West Africa runs by sea to Abidjan, Dakar, Douala, Cotonou, Lomé, Conakry or Libreville, typically in about 20 to 50 days depending on the port, and by air in a few days. Most of these ports require a cargo tracking note (BSC, BESC or ECTN) for every sea shipment, which we arrange before loading.
Ports and transit times
These are typical transit times. We confirm the current sailing with each quote.
| Country | Port | By sea | By air | Groupage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivory Coast | Abidjan | RoRo about 18 to 22 days | To Abidjan airport | Yes, Abidjan |
| Senegal | Dakar | 47 to 50 days, or 40 to 45 priority | 2 to 5 days | Yes, Dakar |
| Cameroon | Douala, Kribi | About 35 to 53 days to Douala | 3 to 7 days | Yes, Douala |
| Benin | Cotonou | About 35 days via Colombo, 40 to 45 via Tema | 2 to 5 days | Yes, Cotonou |
| Togo | Lomé | About 37 to 40 days | 3 to 5 days | Yes, Lomé |
| Guinea | Conakry | About 20 to 25 days | 2 to 5 days | No |
| Gabon | Owendo, Libreville | About 40 to 50 days | 2 to 5 days | Yes, Libreville |
| Burkina Faso | Lomé, Cotonou or Tema, then road | 40 to 45 days to the port | 2 to 5 days | No |
Cargo tracking notes: the document that stops containers
Most ports in the region require an electronic cargo tracking note for every sea shipment. Ivory Coast calls it the BSC, and Cameroon calls it the BESC. Benin, Togo, Guinea and Gabon also require one. Without it, the cargo can be fined or held at the port.
We arrange the tracking note before the container is loaded in Jebel Ali, so it is in place when the ship arrives. In Cameroon, clearance must also go through a licensed customs agent, which our partner handles.
Shipping to Abidjan, Dakar or Douala?
Send us the cargo details. We handle the tracking note, the sailing and the clearance.
Groupage: ship without filling a container
For shops and families who do not fill a container, we run groupage from Dubai to Abidjan, Dakar, Douala, Cotonou, Lomé and Libreville. You drop the goods at our Jebel Ali facility or we collect them anywhere in the UAE. We measure every piece and charge by cubic metre or weight, whichever is higher. Read more about LCL and groupage from Dubai.
Shipping cars to West Africa
All of these countries drive on the right, so left-hand-drive UAE cars are the right type. The main limit is age:
- Ivory Coast: a strict age limit on used passenger cars, counted from first registration, and right-hand-drive vehicles are not accepted.
- Senegal: an age limit on used passenger cars, enforced at the port.
- Cameroon and Gabon: older used vehicles attract higher taxes.
- Benin and Togo: cars going on to a neighbouring country move under transit rules, so tell us where the car will be registered.
We ship cars by RoRo and in containers, up to 6 in a 40ft. See RoRo shipping from Dubai and car shipping in containers.
Landlocked Sahel countries
For Burkina Faso, cargo lands at Lomé, Cotonou or Tema and continues by road to Ouagadougou under transit documents. We pick the port by the delivery town and the sailing, and plan the road leg with it.
Why ship with MegaSpeed Cargo
We are a Dubai freight forwarder with 40+ years in the industry. Our network partner offices in each of these countries clear and deliver your cargo, and we arrange the tracking notes before loading. We also ship to English-speaking West Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
West Africa shipping pages
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from Dubai to Abidjan take?
RoRo from Jebel Ali to Abidjan takes about 18 to 22 days port to port. Container and air transit is confirmed with each quote.
What is a BSC or BESC?
It is an electronic cargo tracking note required for sea shipments to Ivory Coast (BSC) and Cameroon (BESC). Similar notes apply in Benin, Togo, Guinea and Gabon. We arrange it before loading.
Do you offer groupage to West Africa?
Yes, to Abidjan, Dakar, Douala, Cotonou, Lomé and Libreville. You pay by cubic metre or weight, whichever is higher.
Can I ship a used car to Ivory Coast?
Yes, if it meets the age limit, which is counted from first registration. Right-hand-drive cars are not accepted. Send us the details before you buy.
How long does shipping to Dakar take?
Sea freight from Jebel Ali to Dakar takes about 47 to 50 days, or 40 to 45 days on a priority service. Air cargo takes 2 to 5 days.
Who clears the cargo on arrival?
Our network partner office in each country handles clearance and delivery, and in Cameroon clearance goes through a licensed customs agent.
Get a West Africa shipping quote
Tell us the port or city, the cargo and whether you need groupage or a full container.
