Exclusive Interview – Col. André D. Ciseau: A Review of His Tenure in Service of Africa’s Maritime Transformation and Future

1. Could you please introduce yourself to our dear readers?

I am Col. Andre D. Ciseau, Secretary General of the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA). Throughout my career, I have been committed to advancing regional cooperation, strengthening maritime institutions, and promoting sustainable growth in the port and logistics sector across Africa.

2. Looking back at the journey since you took office, how would you assess your term at the helm of PMAESA?

My tenure has been defined by transformation, collaboration, and renewed engagement with our members and partners. Together, we have strengthened PMAESA’s regional presence, expanded strategic partnerships, and positioned the Association as a leading platform for dialogue, innovation, and capacity building within Africa’s maritime and blue economy sectors.

3. What guiding principle has shaped your leadership at PMAESA?

I have always believed that collaboration is the foundation of sustainable progress. By fostering partnerships, encouraging innovation, and maintaining open dialogue with stakeholders, we have been able to achieve meaningful outcomes for our members and the wider maritime community.

4. In your opinion, what are the three achievements you are most proud of during your leadership?

• Successfully enrolling several new Associate Members while re-engaging and revitalizing dormant memberships, thereby strengthening the Association’s reach and influence.
• Leading discussions that culminated in the hosting of the first African Maritime Blue Economy Conference in the PMAESA region, providing a landmark platform for policy dialogue and regional cooperation.
• Establishing Memoranda of Understanding and strategic collaborations with key institutions and partners to advance shared objectives in maritime development, trade facilitation, and capacity building.

5. African ports are engaged in a race toward modernization. What significant progress have you observed within member ports in recent years?

Member ports have increasingly embraced modernization by investing in digital technologies, infrastructure upgrades, automation, and smarter operational systems. There is a growing recognition that adapting quickly to technological advancements is essential for improving efficiency, competitiveness, and resilience in the global maritime industry.

6. What do you see as the main challenges currently hindering the competitiveness of ports in the region?

Some of the key challenges include:

• The pace of adaptation to emerging technologies and digital innovations.
• Limited political and institutional support for implementing forward-looking policies and reforms.
• The continued need for stronger advocacy and stakeholder engagement to accelerate regional integration and investment in the maritime sector.

7. Digitalization has become a strategic priority for ports. What role has PMAESA played in accelerating this digital transformation?

PMAESA has actively championed digital transformation by revitalizing discussions on innovation, facilitating knowledge exchange among member ports, promoting best practices, and encouraging the adoption of modern technologies that enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and service delivery. Currently the Association is working on African Ports Connectivity Portal Project (APC-PP) and African Ports Index in collaboration with African Development Bank (AfDB).  APC-PP is a flagship continental initiative aimed at strengthening transparency, data-driven decision-making, operational benchmarking and policy dialogue across Africa’s port and maritime sector.

8. Are African ports adequately prepared for the environmental standards that are now mandatory in international maritime trade?

Many African ports have made encouraging progress and are increasingly aligning with international environmental standards. However, continued investment in green and smart technologies, capacity building, and sustainable infrastructure will be essential to ensure long-term compliance and competitiveness.

9. What emphasis has PMAESA placed on youth development and the renewal of skills in port-related professions?

Youth development has remained an important priority. PMAESA supports the next generation of maritime professionals by providing employment opportunities where possible, implementing quarterly internship programmes, and creating dedicated opportunities for young people to participate in conferences, workshops, training initiatives, and other professional development forums.

10. Gender equality is gaining momentum in the maritime sector. What progress have you observed regarding women’s leadership within the region’s port institutions?

The sector has witnessed encouraging progress, with more women assuming leadership positions and greater institutional commitment to gender inclusion. Increased awareness and targeted initiatives have helped create opportunities for women to contribute meaningfully at decision-making levels across the maritime industry.

11. What was the most memorable moment of your tenure?

One of the defining highlights of my tenure was the launch of the PMAESA commemorative handbook alongside the Association’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, which honored five decades of regional cooperation and celebrated the collective achievements of our members and partners.

12. What have you learned about leadership during your years heading such a strategic regional organization?

I have learned that effective leadership is about building consensus, creating platforms where every stakeholder has a voice, and inspiring collective action toward a shared vision. Sustainable progress is achieved when people feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute.

13. How would you like your legacy at the head of PMAESA to be remembered?

I hope to be remembered for strengthening regional collaboration, expanding strategic partnerships, promoting innovation, and positioning PMAESA as a forward-looking organization that contributes meaningfully to the advancement of Africa’s maritime and blue economy agenda.

14. What message would you like to send to the port authorities, maritime stakeholders, and African professionals who accompanied you on this journey?

I extend my sincere gratitude to all our members, partners, and stakeholders for their trust and unwavering support throughout my tenure. Our achievements have been the result of collective effort, and I remain committed to supporting PMAESA as an ambassador for the maritime sector and to advancing Africa’s shared vision for sustainable growth and regional integration.

15. After PMAESA, you are called to other duties in your country. How do you approach your upcoming missions?

I approach my future responsibilities with humility, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose. It is an honor to continue serving Africa, and I look forward to applying the experience and partnerships built at PMAESA to contribute to new initiatives that strengthen our continent’s development.

16. If you had to summarize your mandate at the helm of PMAESA in a single sentence, what would it be?

Serving as Secretary General of PMAESA has been one of the most rewarding and defining chapters of my maritime career, marked by collaboration, transformation, and a steadfast commitment to advancing Africa’s maritime future.