Africa shines at world port awards' ceremony

Three African ports recognised in Sustainability Awards

African ports came out tops at the IAPH Sustainability Awards winning three of the eight categories at this year’s awards ceremony held in Kobe, Japan during the Worlds Port Conference.

Ports in Ghana, Kenya and Benin beat out stiff competition to emerge as winners. A total of 112 port projects were submitted.

“This year’s edition broke all records: number of initial submissions, the 7600+ people who voted and the expanded jury which now reaches 15 to score the qualifying finalists. Our database of now 516 projects will continue this upward trajectory with so many projects from ports taking part for the first time,” commented IAPH technical director Antonis Michail.

Taking its first win at the IAPH Sustainability Awards, Ghana Ports and Harbours Association (GPHA) was recognised for their community outreach project, which was judged worthy for making a lasting impact with thoughtful integration of health, education and the environment.

GPHA’s strategy has provided clean water via boreholes to underserved communities; invested in health facilities; donated technology and resources to educational institutions, and developed recreational infrastructure as well as disaster relief to promote in inclusion and resilience.

Taking home a win for the second time, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) won the Environmental Care category at this year’s ceremony for the work being undertaken to restore important mangroves along the country’s south coast.

The Pongwe-Kidimu Community Forest Association (CFA), a local community with a membership of 825 people, in collaboration with KPA is restoring 500 acres of degraded mangroves near Shimoni. This is one of the initiatives that KPA has prioritized through the Green Port policy, to ensure sustainable port operations and conservation of the environment and marine biodiversity.

Receiving the special Akiyama Award, the Port Autonome de Cotonou in Benin was hailed for improving dockworker safety and welfare through their project to address working conditions, safety and security. Built in close collaboration with unions, dockers, employers, and port authorities—and supported by the technical expertise of Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (funded by Enabel)—the project is firmly rooted in a participatory and sustainable approach.

PHOTO: Winners at the IAPH World Port Sustainability Awards. (Source: International Association of Ports and Harbours)