It was pomp and pageantry at the Serena Hotel Dar es Salaam on Sunday, 1st December 2024, as the “Who is Who” in the African maritime industry came together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA).
The occasion also marked the launch of the PMAESA @50 Handbook ” A History and the Future of the African Ports,”. The commemorative handbook is a testament to the dedication, obligation, and teamwork that have driven PMAESA’s progress since its inception on April 16th, 1973, in Tunis, Tunisia.
Adv Phyllis Diffeto, the Ag. CEO Transnet National Ports Authority of South Africa, who is also the PMAESA Chairperson, in her welcome address said: “PMAESA journey of hope, is symbolized with how our Continent, Africa is nicknamed, “Mother Continent” as it’s the oldest inhabited continent on Earth.
“With that analogy, we see motherly figure in PMAESA as it is more than just an a legal persona/ entity – it is a living network that provides connection, opportunity and unity for the African port ecosystem, at this critical juncture in global maritime history, we see African ports increasingly pivotal in reshaping international trade routes, particularly amid complex geopolitical challenges’ the PMAESA Chairperson told the gathering at Dar el Salaam Serena Hotel.
PMAESA being fundamentally about human ambition, resilience and collective progress have managed to nurture transformation of fragmented ports systems in the region.
This has been through collaborative spirit, innovative thinking in addressing port challenges, firmed up strategic partnerships and shared the vision of technological advancement in ports.
“Each container, each ship represents more than cargo – they carry human hopes, dreams, and economic aspirations. TEUs are more than cargo statistics; they measure human lives. Ports are not just infrastructure – they are living bridges connecting communities, businesses, and opportunities,” she added while challenging stakeholders in the industry to up their game.
According to the PMAESA Chairperson, the Sub-Saharan ports have geopolitical significance, are strategically positioned for more cargo through diversion, resilient global supply chain solutions, and are uniquely positioned between Asian and Western markets.
PMAESA Secretary General Col. Andre Ciseau, paid tribute to the member states partners in Africa and beyond and to his illustrious predecessors.
He said that when PMAESA was born, Africa was a continent. Much of it comprised newly independent states with high hopes and aspirations. However, economic decline and political instability often challenged those aspirations in subsequent years.
But those aspirations and hopes never died. Women and men of goodwill and resilience were determined to prevail.
“Therefore, as we look back as to whether we have been true and faithful to the visions of our founding fathers, we can say with pride that we have played our part. I can proudly state that PMAESA was able to remain a dynamic institution in a fast-changing continent.”
Tanzania’s Minister for transport Prof. MAKAME MBARAWA commended PMAESA for providing a platform for exchanging information, ideas and best practices among member states.
“My special commendation goes to the PMAESA Chairperson, Board of Directors, the Secretariat, and management staff – those who are with us today and those we serve in memoriam – for their dedication and professionalism to move PMAESA to greater heights. Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen.
He said that Tanzania is very grateful to PMAESA members and development partners for allowing them to participate in policy and technical-level discussions.
“This enables us to achieve better results in our outreach efforts to promote intra-African trade.”
He said the Ministry of Transport of the United Republic of Tanzania reaffirms its full commitment to supporting the Port Management Association for Eastern & Southern Africa (PMAESA) and looks forward to playing its part in steering its progress and development for the joint benefit of our countries and its people. My Ministry, through the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) and Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), will continue to exchange information and experience with PMAESA on vital issues affecting the Maritime Transport Sector to cement further this relationship and extend it to other areas of mutual interest.
The IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez congratulated PMAESA on the remarkable milestone of its 50th anniversary, saying that over the past five decades, PMAESA has been a vital force in enhancing regional port management, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and advancing the growth of the maritime sector in Eastern and Southern Africa.
In a message read on his behalf by Mr. Vincent Olabisi Job, Senior Deputy Director, Technical Corporation and Implementation Division (TCID), IMO.
“The official launch of the PMAESA Handbook marks another significant achievement. This comprehensive guide will undoubtedly serve as a valuable resource for the maritime community, fostering knowledge-sharing and best practices. By supporting capacity-building and innovation, the handbook underscores PMAESA’s dedication to strengthening the maritime industry in line with global standards.”
In his goodwill message, Mr. Jean-Marie Koffi, the Secretary General of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) and the Executive Secretary of the Pan African Ports Corporation (PAPC) said the five decades of cooperation, integration, and development of the region’s ports are a testament to your unwavering commitment and determination.
“As members of the Pan-African Association for Port Cooperation (PAPC), we recognize the importance of strengthening ties between our ports and communities. We must build a stronger and more engaging community of interest that fosters cooperation, innovation, and sustainable growth,” he said.
PMAWCA and PMAESA have a long history of collaboration and cooperation.
“Together, we have worked to promote regional integration, improve port efficiency, and enhance port safety and security.
As we look to the future, we are committed to continuing our collaboration and cooperation to address the challenges and opportunities facing our ports and communities. We will work together to promote sustainable development, improve port infrastructure, and enhance the competitiveness of our ports.”
Mr. Plasduce Mbossa, the Director General of Tanzania Ports Authority in his message during the Gala Dinner it was a special privilege honour to host such a group of distinguished professionals who through their dedication and expertise have propelled the success of the port industry in East and Southern Africa.
“To the PMAESA Board of Directors and Secretariat I am deeply touched by this gesture. This is because out of all the Member countries – the PMAESA Management ultimately decided to mark its golden jubilee in Dar es Salaam.” “Rest assured – the Association can count on the support of the Tanzanian Ports Authority.”
