Crafting the Future of Trade Infrastructure
7th - 9th July 2025 | Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Overview of Port Connect Africa Conference
The African port industry is poised for transformative growth in the upcoming years driven by increasing trade volumes strategic infrastructure investments and the continent's expanding role as a hub for global commerce offering unparalleled business opportunities across logistics technology and resource export sectors.
``Port Connect Africa Conference 2025: Crafting the Future of Trade Infrastructure`` aims to identify key investment opportunities in African port infrastructure highlighting areas ripe for development and growth. It seeks to promote collaboration by fostering partnerships between governments the private sector and international organizations to drive progress. Additionally the event will explore cutting-edge technologies and innovations that can enhance port efficiency and sustainability paving the way for modernization. Lastly it will address critical challenges facing African ports including congestion financing and maintenance offering insights and strategies to overcome these hurdles effectively.
Join us to uncover why West Africa's rapidly growing port industry is a prime investment opportunity driven by its strategic location on major global shipping routes burgeoning trade volumes resource-rich economies and ongoing infrastructure modernization efforts.
Conference Highlights
1. Unlocking Investment & Trade Growth: Discover lucrative investment opportunities in Africa’s rapidly expanding port sector, fueled by rising trade volumes, strategic infrastructure projects, and Africa’s growing role in global commerce.
2. Building Strategic Partnerships: Engage with key stakeholders, including government officials, private sector leaders, and international organizations, to drive collaboration and shape the future of African port infrastructure.
3. Harnessing Innovation & Technology: Explore cutting-edge advancements in port management, automation, and digitalization to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness in global trade.
4. Addressing Key Industry Challenges: Gain expert insights on tackling critical issues such as port congestion, financing hurdles, and maintenance strategies to ensure long-term growth and resilience.
5. Expanding Regional & Global Connectivity: Learn how African ports are strengthening intra-African trade through the AfCFTA and increasing South-South trade, positioning the continent as a major player in international shipping routes.
Crafting the Future of Trade Infrastructure
Join us to uncover why West Africa's rapidly growing port industry is a prime investment opportunity, driven by its strategic location on major global shipping routes, burgeoning trade volumes, resource-rich economies, and ongoing infrastructure modernization efforts.
7th - 9th July, 2025
Pre-workshop + Conference
Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Hotel venue to be advised
15 Keynote Speakers
Top-notch experts
100 Available Seats
Few tickets are left
What's Lined Up for 2025?
3 Reasons Why You Must Attend
Africa's Port Industry Trends
Stay on top of industry trends with key presentations & case studies from leading learning organizations
Exclusive Networking and Panel Discussions
Play a part in shaping the conference discussions & share your opinions
Industry Expert Speakers and Panelists
Meet international & local senior-level speakers from diverse industries
Conference Agenda and Schedule
Below you'll find the schedule for Port Connect Africa Conference 2025. We'll keep this page regularly updated with all new speakers and sessions, so be sure to keep checking in!
Pre-Conference Workshop
Our pre-conference workshop is a full-day interactive training course attached to our conference to give our participants practical & hands-on experience through exercises, discussions on best practices, and comprehensive case study analysis. Registration for the workshop commences at 08:00 am onwards. The workshop will commence at 8.30am and end at approximately 4.30pm. Course materials and refreshments will be provided during the workshop. Participants can also look forward to an exclusive networking luncheon with the workshop leader & industry peers.
Port Security Management Workshop aims to equip port professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the security and safety of port operations and infrastructure. Participants will learn about advanced security measures, protocols, and technologies that enhance the safety of port facilities.
Pre-Conference Workshop
8h 00minSpeaker:
Capt. Dallas Eric Laryea - IMO Regional Coordinator, International Maritime Organization, Ghana
Topics:
• Introduction to Port Security
• Security Protocols and Procedures
• Regulatory Compliance
• Incident Management
• Collaborative Security Efforts
Day 2 Main Conference
Registration and Networking
0h 35min
Welcome Remarks
0h 10min
Africa’s Port Industry in 2025 – A Blueprint for Growth
0h 45minSpeaker:
Sam Abu - Regional Senior Partner, PwC West Market Area Nigeria
Effective Strategies in Managing the Port Congestion in the Port of Cotonou
0h 45minSpeaker:
Grégoire Andre - Infrastructure Director, Port of Cotonou
Networking and Tea Break
0h 30min
Small Ports, Big Impact: Enhancing Regional and Local Trade Ports
0h 45minSpeaker:
Niela Kaba - Director General, Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development
Strategic Investments in Port Infrastructure
0h 45minSpeaker:
Zizile Ndziba - Investment Principal, African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM)
Networking and Luncheon
1h 0min
Panel Discussion: Security and Risk Management in Maritime Operations
0h 45minModerated by:
Dr. Jonathan Beard - Partner for Infrastructure Advisory, Ernst and Young (United Arab Emirates)
Panelists:
1. Emmanuel Maiguwa Ganiko - President, Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN)
2. Capt. Dallas Eric Laryea - IMO Regional Coordinator, International Maritime Organization (IMO)
3. Beatrice Chaytor - Director of Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights and Digital Trade, AfCFTA
Sustainable Ports, Sustainable Future: Environmental Stewardship in Nigerian Maritime Focus
0h 45minSpeaker:
Daniel Odibe - Chief Operating Officer, Deep Leki Sea Port
Networking and Tea Break
0h 30min
The Role of Ports in Facilitating Intra-African Trade Under AfCFTA
0h 45minSpeaker:
Beatrice Chaytor - Director of Trade in Service, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights and Digital Trade (AfCFTA)
Overcoming Congestion and Operational Bottlenecks
0h 45minSpeaker:
Dr. Jonathan Beard - Partner for Infrastructure Advisory, Ernst and Young
Closing Remarks
0h 10min
Day 3 Main Conference
Registration and Networking
0h 50min
Welcome Remarks
0h 10min
The Role of Ports in Africa’s Economic Transformation
0h 45minSpeaker:
Col. Andre Didace Ciseau - Secretary General, Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA)
Modernization of African Ports
0h 45minSpeaker:
Neimo da Esperança Alberto Induna - Director, Port of Nacala
Networking and Tea Break
0h 30min
Unlocking Maritime Growth: Strategic Investment Opportunities in West African Ports
0h 45minSpeaker:
Mohammed Akoojee - CEO & Managing Director, Sub Saharan Africa, DP World
Upgrading aging infrastructure to meet modern demands
0h 45minSpeaker:
Rajesh Dana - Port Manager, Transnet National Ports Authority
Networking and Luncheon
1h 00min
African Port Security and how are we responding to these challenges
0h 45minSpeaker:
Emmanuel Maiguwa Ganiko - President, Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN)
Case Studies: Successful PPP Projects in Africa’s Port Sector
0h 45minSpeaker:
Josaine Kwenda - Country Manager, International Finance Corporation
Networking and Tea Break
0h 30min
Structural Integrity and Maintenance Engineering
0h 45minSpeaker:
Capt. Dallas Eric Laryea - IMO Regional Coordinator, International Maritime Organization
Roundtable interaction:
0h 45minTopics:
• Transforming Africa’s Ports for Tomorrow
• Key takeaways, commitments, and action plans for stakeholders
Closing Remarks
0h 10min
Register Now For #SalvoPortConnect2025
Explore transformative potential of Africa's port industry at Port Connect Africa Conference 2025 with a range of conference packages tailored to suit every delegate. Discover the best option for you and your team!
3-Day (Conference and Workshop)
Sales end on 20 May 2025
- Full Access to 2-Day Conference and 1-Day Workshop
- Networking Sessions
- Free Coffee/Snacks and Lunch
- Conference Materials
- Delegate Certificate
Price are exclusive of Tax. Bank charges and Local Withholding Tax are to be borne by registrant.
Register Now2-Day Conference Only
Sales end on 20 May 2025
- Access to 2-day Conference
- Networking Sessions
- Free Coffee/Snacks and Lunch
- Conference Materials
- Delegate Certificate
Price are exclusive of Tax. Bank charges and Local Withholding Tax are to be borne by registrant.
Register Now1-Day Workshop Only
Sales end on 20 May 2025
- Access to 1-day Workshop
- Free Coffee/Snacks and Lunch
- Conference Materials
- Delegate Certificate
Price are exclusive of Tax. Bank charges and Local Withholding Tax are to be borne by registrant.
Register NowNeed additional pricing info? Get in touch for custom and high-volume pricing.
Have Questions? Look Here.
Explore the transformative potential of Africa's port industry at Port Connect Africa Conference 2025. As trade demands rise, African ports are set for significant growth, driven by increasing trade volumes, strategic infrastructure investments, and Africa's expanding role in global commerce.
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Register by clicking the 'REGISTER NOW' button or you may download the registration form, complete the details, sign the authorization section and send it back to [email protected]. Upon receiving the completed form, we will send you the invoice with bank details for your payment. You may also contact us through [email protected] for more information
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Full Access to 2-Day Conference and 1-Day Workshop, Networking Sessions, Free Coffee, Snacks and Lunch, Conference Materials and Delegate Certificate. Please take note that transportation and accommodation are NOT INCLUDED in the cost package.
Access to 2-day Conference Only, Networking Sessions, Free Coffee, Snacks and Lunch, Conference Materials and Delegate Certificate. Please take note that transportation and accommodation are NOT INCLUDED in the cost package.
Access to 1-day Workshop Only, Networking Sessions, Free Coffee, Snacks and Lunch, Conference Materials and Delegate Certificate. Please take note that transportation and accommodation are NOT INCLUDED in the cost package.