The Port Authority of Kribi (PAK), in partnership with the Port Authority of Douala (PAD), are hosting the 3rd edition of the African Ports Forum (APF) from 21 to 22 October. The event provides an opportunity to reassess the evolving role of African ports in the implementation and concretisation of the continental free trade area, in force since January 2021.

With previous editions held in Djibouti in 2019 and Tangier - Morocco, in 2020, the third edition of the African Ports Forum (APF) has come to Cameroon. The 2021 edition, themed “Role of Africa's ports within the context of the AfCFTA”, provides a platform for discussions on the evolving role of African ports in the implementation and materialization of the continental free trade area, in force since January 2021. The forum offers an opportunity for participants in general and the ports of Douala and Kribi in particular, to address key issues relating to the future of port activities in a free trade area and Africa’s effective integration. Discussions at the forum shall equally dwell on post-covid port recovery plans, the evolving role of port authorities in new development prospects, “the productivity and competitiveness of ports, the emergence of dry ports, the relevance of PPPs and port concessions as well as the challenges faced along maritime corridors, says PAK’s spokesperson.

Amina MALLOUM (www.ecomatin.net)