Africa to participate in the world economy as a truly global competitor

22 August 2013

Cape Business News

Port and maritime authorities and transport corridors are at the forefront of this development and now play a more pivotal role than ever in the continent's growth. According to the U.S. International Trade Commission, over 90% of international trade between Sub-Saharan Africa and foreign countries is conducted via maritime transport.

The recent rise of regional hubs across the continent has been garnering attention as countries acknowledge that full integration within these regional hubs is key to improving cross-border business on the continent.

Challenges
Despite Sub-Saharan Africa's heavy reliance on maritime transport, many large commodity traders and bulk exporters face serious challenges like the lack of proper supply chain support from rail and port terminals, slow customs clearance at ports, strict safety protocols, high shipping charges and surcharges.

Finding solutions
To compete in the global arena, African ports will need to adapt to changes in the strategic operating environment of international business, while concurrently responding to developments in technology and communications and the concept of integrated supply chain management and security.

It is against this background that the 2nd Annual African Ports Evolution 2013 Forum is taking place on the 26-28 August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa, which will bring together ports authorities and terminal operators from over 15 African countries to develop collaborative approaches to ports expansion and regional trade facilitation.


Programme highlights include:

• Opening address by Transnet Group Chief Executive, Mr Brian Molefe: Developing sustainable transport infrastructure in South Africa.
• Keynote address by Transnet National Ports Authority's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tau Morwe: Ports - enablers of economic development in emerging economies.
• Positioning Africa's ports through public-private partnerships - Michael Achagwe Luguje, Secretary General, Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA)
• Keynote panel discussion: The need for more productive ports and terminals in Africa's growing economy to compete more effectively with one another and to handle the region's growing merchandise trade volumes
• How to obtain project finance for marine projects - Lawrence Kiggundu, Principal Infrastructure Specialist, African Development Bank
• Enhancing regional port stability with international maritime security standards - Hans Niebergall, President and CEO, South Asia and Africa Regional Port Stability Cooperative (SAARPSCO)
• Excellence Awards Programme - An awards programme acknowledging excellence and leadership in Africa's maritime industry
• Women in the marine industry - This session will recognise the role of women in the development of African ports and the pioneering role that they are now playing in the maritime industry.

Category: Transport