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, Lagos, PwC Nigeria
Topics:
• Ports as economic growth drivers: GDP contribution and employment opportunities
• Infrastructure Deficits: Lack of modern equipment, poor hinterland connectivity
• Operational Inefficiencies: Long dwell times and bureaucratic hurdles
Strategic Investments in Port Infrastructure: Highlighting key areas for investment and financing models to unlock potential
0h 45minSpeaker:
Ed Stumpf - Investment Director, African Infrastructure Investment Managers, South Africa
Networking and Tea Break
0h 30min
Small Ports, Big Impact: Enhancing Regional and Local Trade Ports, Investing in smaller ports to improve regional trade, Reduce dependency on major hubs, and Support local economies
0h 45minSpeaker:
Niela Kaba - Director General, Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development, Ivory Coast
Topics:
• Policies that prioritize small port investments align with broader goals of reducing regional inequality
• Upgrading small ports with modern technology and infrastructure can enhance their capacity and efficiency
• Small ports allow local businesses to access markets directly, avoiding the high costs associated with major hubs
Effective Strategies in Managing the Port Congestion in the Port of Cotonou
0h 45minSpeaker:
Grégoire Andre - Infrastructure Director, Port of Cotonou, Benin
Topics:
• Strategies for Managing Congestion
• Short to long term measures and alternative solutions
• Success Factors for Effective Implementation
Networking and Luncheon
1h 0min
Panel Discussion: Security and Risk Management in Maritime Operations | Addressing piracy, cyber threats, and physical security challenges
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. Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho - Managing Director, Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigeria
3. Michael Luguje - Director General, Ghana Ports Authority, Ghana
Beatrice Chaytor, Director of Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights and Digital Trade, AfCFTA, Ghana
Overcoming Congestion and Operational Bottlenecks | Strategies to improve port capacity, reduce delays, and streamline operations
0h 45minSpeaker:
Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho - Managing Director, Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigeria
Topics:
• Congestion and Inefficiencies: Addressing delays and inefficiencies in port operations can unlock greater economic potential
• Infrastructure Gaps: Investment in modern infrastructure and equipment is essential for handling growing trade volumes
Networking and Tea Break
0h 30min
The Role of Ports in Facilitating Intra-African Trade Under AfCFTA | Exploring how ports can drive economic integration and trade efficiency
0h 45minSpeaker:
Beatrice Chaytor - Director of Trade in Service, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights and Digital Trade (AfCFTA)
Roundtable interaction: Overcoming Congestion and Operational Bottlenecks | Strategies to improve port capacity, reduce delays, and streamline operations
0h 45minSpeaker:
Dr. Jonathan Beard - Partner for Infrastructure Advisory, Ernst and Young, United Arab Emirates
Topics:
• Congestion and Inefficiencies: Addressing delays and inefficiencies in port operations can unlock greater economic potential
• Infrastructure Gaps: Investment in modern infrastructure and equipment is essential for handling growing trade volumes
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 | How port development drives regional trade, industrialization, and economic growth
0h 45minSpeaker:
Carolie Gevers - Country Manager, World Bank
Port Infrastructure and Terminal Design
0h 45minTopics:
• Designing container, bulk, and liquid cargo terminals
• Integration of cargo handling equipment with terminal infrastructure
• Planning for automated and semi-automated port operations
• Multi-modal terminal design (road, rail, sea)
• Optimization of cargo flow and storage facilities
Networking and Tea Break
0h 30min
Strengthening Regional Collaboration for Port Development | Case studies on successful partnerships among governments and private sectors
0h 45minSpeaker:
Josaine Kwenda - Country Manager, International Finance Corporation, West Africa, Senegal
Upgrading aging infrastructure to meet modern demands
0h 45min
Networking and Luncheon
1h 00min
Fire Side Chat: Innovation in Terminal Design and Operations
0h 45minTopics:
• Deep-water port planning for larger vessels
• Space optimization for container terminals
• Integration of autonomous vehicles and equipment in terminals
Case Studies: Successful PPP Projects in Africa’s Port Sector
0h 45min
Networking and Tea Break
0h 30min
Structural Integrity and Maintenance Engineering
0h 45minTopics:
• Monitoring and maintaining port infrastructure: corrosion control
• Predictive maintenance using IoT and sensors for port equipment
• Engineering for long-term durability and structural assessment
• Retrofit and upgrading of old port facilities to meet current standards
Roundtable interaction:
0h 45minTopics:
• Transforming Africa’s Ports for Tomorrow
• Key takeaways, commitments, and action plans for stakeholders
Closing Remarks
0h 10min