In order for African ports to fully achieve their economic growth potential, a significant improvement in the quality and scale of infrastructure is required.
The need to upgrade and expand infrastructure does, however represent a significant opportunity for international investors looking to develop and finance infrastructure in Africa and share in the benefits that this can bring.
These are major issues that will take the front burners as port finance experts converge on Amsterdam between October 8th and 9th 2015.
In order for African ports to fully achieve their economic growth potential, a significant improvement in the quality and scale of infrastructure is required.
The need to upgrade and expand infrastructure does, however represent a significant opportunity for international investors looking to develop and finance infrastructure in Africa and share in the benefits that this can bring.
These are major issues that will take the front burners as port finance experts converge on Amsterdam between October 8th and 9th 2015.
In a release issued by Port Finance International, Amsterdam and sent to Shipping Position Daily, it will, in association with the Port of Amsterdam International and the NABC (Netherlands-African Business Council) use the two days event to address current issues and challenges in port and related infrastructure capacities, user and investor expectations and how the African region as a whole is gearing up to attract more international investments.
According to the organisers, already, port industry stakeholders across the continent of Africa are expected to seize the opportunity of the two days of high net worth interactions to boost the portfolios available to their ports.
Participants are expected from: Government/Ministries (of Transport/Logistics/Trade/Finance), Port Authorities, Port & Terminal Operators, Shipping Lines, Railway, Logistics & Freight Forwarding Companies, Shipyard Operators, Finance Sector (Banks, Investment Funds, Multilateral Development Banks/Regional, Development Banks/International Financial Institutions), Port & Terminal Service and Equipment Suppliers, Legal/Insurance Institutions, EPC Contractors and Strategic Think-tanks
According to them, project updates on Greenfield and expansion projects will be showcased for potential investment opportunities in African ports and related infrastructure.
In addition, strategies for operational efficiencies, congestion management and technology solutions will also be discussed.
The statement added that: “There are several projects in the pipeline, with the involvement of both government and private sector. For investors and developers willing to take on risk, these offer potentially lucrative investment opportunities.
Ports around the globe are planning expansions to respond to the growth and changing patterns (such as vessel size) of containerised maritime trade and to the development needs of their hinterland economies”.
The statement added that: “Global trade is on the rise again, driven by growth in the emerging economies. Inadequate container port infrastructure can be a severe logistics bottleneck and a constraint on growth. Efficiency and capacity need to increase in step with demand.
At the same time, port policy makers and terminal operators have to match capacity to demand carefully to avoid costly overinvestment, a task complicated by rapid technological change in shipping markets with the introduction of larger vessels, fluctuating fuel prices and restructuring through mergers and alliances”’..
It noted that, “the lack of good transport infrastructure is, however, a key constraint to economic development in Africa”.
Some of the speakers who have already confirmed their presence include: Yann Alix, General Delegate, SEFACIL Foundation, Steven Boukaert, Director, MTB, Steve Cameron, Managing Director, Cameron Maritime Resource, Joss Dare, Managing Partner, Ashurst, Edwin Dekker, Owner, Partner and Associate, Seaport Group.
Others are: Michel Donner, Senior Advisor, Drewry, Sylvie Doutres, Co-Managing Director, DsG Consultants, Pedro García, Business Consultant, Portel Servicios Telematicos, Gunther Ginckels, Business Partner, InduStreams, Jan Harm Kamphuisen, Associate Director, Global Risk Analysis Middle East and North Africa, Control Risks, to mention a few.
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