Kenya: The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) officials attended the Africa Ports Forum in Accra, Ghana. There they stated that the future ports competitiveness will be defined not by size or geographical advantage alone, but by how smart, connected, sustainable and collaborative they become.
Reportedly, the industry has been cautioned, can only be achieved by embracing innovation, technology, sustainability and stronger governance frameworks. Majorly, in order to remain responsive to global trade demands, at the Africa Ports Forum, currently underway in Accra Ghana.
Considering this, Maritime Executives, Policymakers and Industry experts from across Africa met at the annual forum under the theme, “Reinventing Port Competitiveness in Africa: Governance, Performance and Regulation for the Future” which deliberated on the future of the continent’s ports and logistics sector, amid intensifying global competition and rapidly evolving trade dynamics.
From Kenya Ports Authority, General Manager Corporate Services – Edward Kamau represented Chief Executive Officer – Capt. William Ruto and made a compelling case as a panellist, stressing the need for African ports, “to evolve into integrated logistics hubs supported by digital capability and strong corridor interconnectivity.”
General Manager Kamau also highlighted the untapped opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and said that as intra-African trade accelerates under the AfCFTA, the most successful ports will be those that act as efficient logistics hubs that drive economic integration and growth across the continent.
Kamau emphasised on the importance of integrated digital systems, sustainable port operations, Public-Private Partnerships in infrastructure development and enhanced collaboration among port authorities, customs agencies, regulators and logistics stakeholders. He further called for reforms that improve efficiency, transparency and service delivery across the sector.
KPA’s commitment to strengthen partnerships at the regional and international levels was affirmed during the conference as the organisation is looking to develop ports that are not only efficient and competitive, but also capable of supporting Africa’s long-term economic transformation.