African maritime leaders converge to boost port efficiency

Maritime leaders, port authorities, shipping companies, logistics operators, and technology innovators across Africa are set to participate in the upcoming Global Aviation, Maritime and Mobility Access and Tech Summit 2026, a continental summit focused on transport integration, connectivity, and trade competitiveness.

This was contained in a statement on Tuesday by the President of ELIAD/Aspire West Africa, Dr Emmanuel Bernards, obtained by The PidomNigeria.

According to Bernards, the event, scheduled for November, has been themed ‘Powering Africa’s Connectivity: Aviation, Maritime & Mobility Innovations as Catalysts for Trade and Global Competitiveness’.

Bernards explained that the summit will spotlight the role of maritime transport, “port modernisation and logistics innovation in accelerating Africa’s economic growth and global competitiveness”.

Bernards said: “The summit will feature discussions around port modernisation and efficiency, maritime trade facilitation, logistics and cargo connectivity, smart maritime technologies, blue economy opportunities, infrastructure investment, sustainable maritime development, and integrated transport systems”.

He stressed that Africa’s maritime sector remains central to the continent’s trade ambitions and economic transformation agenda, particularly under the AfCFTA framework.

Bernards noted that the event is expected to bring together shipping operators, port authorities, marine service providers, regulators, investors, logistics companies, and technology stakeholders seeking collaboration opportunities within Africa’s evolving transport ecosystem.

Organised by Aspire West Africa, GAMMA TECH 2026 is designed as a high-level platform bringing together policymakers, transport regulators, airlines, maritime institutions, mobility innovators, technology companies, infrastructure developers, investors, and trade stakeholders from across Africa and beyond. The summit aims to deepen conversations around integrated transport systems, smart mobility, digital innovation, logistics efficiency, trade facilitation, and infrastructure development as Africa positions itself for stronger participation in the global economy.