Seaports play a crucial role in all economies reliant on export and import, especially in African states where maritime transport is the primary form of access to the international market. Despite their strategic importance, many African ports are easily accessible to criminals and susceptible to various threats. Africa’s ports are the most likely points for stowaways to embark; and – after ports in Southeast Asia – are the most prone to piracy and armed robbery. Africa’s ports also remain key points in drug trafficking and theft of goods.