African port authorities and stakeholders launched a new African Development Bank (AfDB) project that aims to sustainably enhance the continent’s port capacity and is supported by a USD2.15 million grant from the Multilateral Cooperation Development Finance (MCDF) at a workshop held in Abidjan, Cote d’ivoire.

Participants discussed implementation of the African Ports Connectivity Portal Project, which is expected to facilitate investment in port expansion and boost port performance by addressing data gaps in port operations, land integration, and port-city interfaces.

The focus was the project’s technical design and governance requirements for delivering a “port data book” which provides performance data for Africa’s ports and maritime transport sector as well as practical information on the continent’s main ports.

“Reliable performance data is critical for identifying and prioritizing investment opportunities for developing low carbon, climate-resilient African ports infrastructure,” explained Frederic Wiltmann, MCDF’s Program Head. “MCDF’s grant support seeks to make this possible through partnerships.”

Participants emphasized the importance of close collaboration between African governments, regional organizations, and the private sector for realizing the project’s potential benefits for the continent’s maritime transport sector.

“Improved connectivity between our ports is essential for enhancing efficiency, reducing logistics costs, and strengthening Africa's competitiveness in the global market,” said Jean Marie Koffi, Secretary General of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa.

“The envisioned [African Ports Connectivity Portal Project] should be understood as a tool for optimizing port operations to facilitate intra-African trade, enhance security and transparency, and promote sustainable development,” added Marco Yamaguchi, AfDB’s Transport and Logistics Division Manager.

Frederic Wiltmann, Program Head, MCDF