Port & Maritime Stakeholders Converge for Technical Level Discussions Amid Shifting Geo-Politics

The PMAESA Secretariat wraps up a successful Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Cape Town on 1st April 2025.

Hosted by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) under the leadership of Ag. CE Adv. Phyllis Difeto (who is also PMAESA Chairperson), the meeting saw in-depth engagement & participation from Port Authorities, Terminal Operators, Training Institutions, Development Partners, Financing Institutions and Port & Maritime Service Providers.

The event also hosted the Port Management Association for West & Central Africa (PMAWCA) which holds the seat of the Pan-African Association for Port Cooperation (PAPC)

Speaking during the opening ceremony, PMAESA Secretary General Col. Andre Ciseau expressed his appreciation to Association’s Chairperson and Board Members for their unwavering support and for playing their role in steering the course of the sub-regional ports’ association.

In addition to PMAESA’s Annual Progress Report, the AGM covered topics at the fore-front of the Ports & Maritime Sector in the region such as: Port Readiness for the Implementation of the Maritime Single Window, African Ports Connectivity, Green Port Development and Linking Ports and Railways

The event also witnessed the formalization of the MOU between the Association for Women in the Maritime sector in Eastern & Southern Africa – South African Chapter (WOMESA SA) and PMAESA.

Adv. Difeto, speaking as Chairperson of WOMESA SA had this to say during the signing ceremony: “the formalization of the MOU with PMAESA will see joint implementation of activities focused on advocating gender equality in the maritime sector, enhance training and capability building targetted for women in the maritime sector in the Eastern & Southern Africa region as well as establish and nurture smart partnerships and networks.”

During the vote of thanks, CEO, Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA) and PMAESA Vice-Chairperson, Mr Sonny Payet said: “acutely aware of volatile geo-politics – we have to re-look at how we plan and do things in the future if the port & maritime sector is to forge ahead for the betterment of our national and regional economies.”

The AGM is a technical forum for port authorities held to facilitate dialogue between African Ports and Development Partners.

PMAESA