By Andrew Utulu
L-R APM Terminals Regional Managing Director, Africa and Europe, Igor van den Essen; Candidate, Presidency of AfDB, Samuel MAIMBO; Chief Executive Officer, CEVA Logistics, Mathieu Friedberg; and Managing Director, Port Autonome d’Abidjan, Hien Yacouba SIE at the panel session, Charting New Trade Routes: Strengthening the Resilience of African Supply Chains, Africa CEO Forum, Abidjan recently
APM Terminal has stated that lasting infrastructure, inclusive employment and sustainable growth in Africa can only be possible when governments and businesses work together (Public-Private sector partnership), sharing knowledge and co-investing in the future.
Igor van den Essen, APM Terminals Regional Managing Director, Africa and Europe made the assertion at the recently concluded Africa CEO Forum, which held in Abidjan, Cote D Ivoire.
At the panel session on charting new trade routes: ‘Strengthening the Resilience of African Supply Chains’, Igor said the essential role of public-private partnerships to enable long-term development had been a recurring theme throughout the forum. Also on the panel session were the Chairman, Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority – Great Horn Investment, Aboubaker Moar Hadi; Chief Executive Officer, CEVA Logistics, Mathieu Friedberg; and Managing Director, Port Autonome d’Abidjan, Hien Yacouba SIE.
Igor said, “This is precisely the mindset guiding our engagement in, for instance, Nigeria. We are in active discussions with the port authority and government partners to upgrade our terminal in Lagos to service larger vessels, strengthen connectivity and lower the cost of doing business. This is operational excellence in action, built on local collaboration, long-term planning and customer-centric design to create joint predictability and stability.”
He added that Africa was set to play a vital role in global trade, driven by its rapidly growing populations and economies. Yet, without major investment in ports, roads and rail, its infrastructure gap will only widen.
“Economic development is directly linked to robust port infrastructure. Seaport upgrades, inland connectivity and corridor developments are among the most effective levers for improving competitiveness, boosting exports and driving the economy.
“Investing in infrastructure is investing in Africa’s future. It strengthens local industries, attracts private investment and provides the foundation for stable and self-sustaining growth.
“That’s why our investments go beyond the quay. We’re building integrated logistics services, including cold chain solutions, distribution hubs and digital tools that boost safety, reliability and performance across the board. Integration is how we remove barriers, unlock efficiencies and deliver results for all stakeholders,” Igor said.
Over 2,000 leaders and decision-makers, from the public and private sector in Africa, had convened last week in Abidjan, to explore how unlocking capital and strengthening logistics and infrastructure can unleash the continent’s next growth phase.
Also present at the forum is the Chief Executive Officer, APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke; Chief Financial Officer, APM Terminals Nigeria, Courage Obadagbonyi and Head of Investment Africa, APM Terminals, Siebe Ruijgh; and Head of Maersk Netherlands and Terminals Relations, Robert Ruifrok.
