African port authorities meet in Dakar on how to match global trends [Focus]

As in the case of Congo Republic’s Pointe-Noire, African ports are increasing their operational capacities.

Installation of new infrastructures, signing of concession contracts among other moves are helping to multiply initiatives to integrate better in international trade.

Port managers on the continent want to have more power in the global market and advocate for stronger regional cooperation.

In the midst of rapid changes in recent years, African ports want to accelerate the pace to conform to current realities. They hope to reduce the gap that separates them from European and Asian structures.

But how do we get there? What are the strategies for placing Africa at the center of global trade and shipping?

These issues were at the center of the 33rd Summit of the West and Central African Ports Management Association and the 11th Conference of the Pan-African Port Cooperation Association which took place from 13 to 17 February 2017 at Dakar, Senegal.

Our special correspondent at the event, Wahany Sambou reports that modernization and expansion remain, in fact, one of the major challenges of the new policies of management of the African ports. A dynamic sector, but where Africa can still do better.