Focusing on Africa’s port performance
Advancing Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy
SOUTH AFRICA: Discussions focused on improving port performance in Africa will take centre stage in Cape Town next week as over 200 industry leaders take part in the second edition of the African Harbour Masters Committee (AHMC) Conference.
"This engagement platform enables the African Harbour Masters Committee (AHMC) to contribute towards advancing the 2050 Africa integrated Maritime Strategy under the African Union, which aims to improve conditions related to environmental and economic development within the African countries.
“The Committee has grown steadily over the years with key partners such as the Port Management Association of East and Southern Africa as well as Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, supporting its work" said Captain Thulani Dubeko, AHMC President.
The conference is due to be opened by the Deputy Minister of Transport in the SA government, Mkhuleko Hlengwa on Wednesday and will address the urgent challenges facing Africa’s ports.
The conference will also examine critical operational issues that Harbour Masters face, such as the effective implementation of the Single Window system.
The African Harbour Master Committee (AHMC) is a part of the International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) and Captain Paul O’Regan - IHMA President notes the importance of collaborative efforts to address issues of climate change and environmental sustainability.
“The intrinsic value of the networks of Harbour Masters is knowledge sharing amongst our members and commercial partners. This seminar offers another invaluable opportunity to meet, converse and listen to the experiences of colleagues who are plotting a course for the future and making positive changes in our ports,”
“As any Harbour Master knows, challenges such as these are best faced collectively. And therein lies the value of the AHMC and other Harbour Master committees like it around the world. The intrinsic value of the networks of Harbour Masters is knowledge sharing amongst our members and commercial partners. This seminar offers another invaluable opportunity to meet, converse and listen to the experiences of colleagues who are plotting a course for the future and making positive changes in our ports,” he said.
This edition brings together approximately 200 industry leaders including harbour masters, government officials and maritime professionals, representing at least twenty countries from across Africa, who work on developing the maritime sector and securing investments to promote sustainability while transforming port operations across the continent.
Critical to the discourse will be discussions unpacking strategies and solutions to improve port performance and operations, highlighting climate change, sustainability, the handling of dangerous cargo within ports and skills development opportunities for maritime professionals.
Commenting on behalf of the hosting ports authority, Adv Phyllis Difeto, Acting Chief Executive of Transnet National Ports Authority stated that: “TNPA's commitment to support the work of the Committee goes beyond the platform. We are dedicated to fostering development and transformation within the maritime sector. As captains of industry, we must prioritise facilitating trade, efficiently managing maritime port operation and ensuring safe navigation.”
Maritime Review Africa will be reporting on the conference and providing updates via our social media platforms.
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