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, Qatar (To be confirmed)
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, Qatar (To be confirmed)
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