8th annual African Ports and Rail Evolution Forum: Developing Africa’s trade and transport hub potential

Despite growing global demand for trade with Africa, intra-Africa trade still only accounts for approximately 10% of the continent’s economic activity according to the NEPAD Business Foundation. This remains largely due to the unique challenges facing Africa’s transport infrastructure. However, with the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCTFA) set to create the largest free trade zone in the world and increase intra-Africa trade by 52% by 2020, the opportunities for demand-driven expansion and upgrade of Africa’s ports and rail systems are exponential.
National development plans across the continent are prioritising transport infrastructure upgrade and development projects. Substantial growth in trade volumes is predicted with total corridor volumes on road and rail expected to increase from 13.6 million tonnes by 2020 to 40 million tonnes by 2040.

Against this backdrop, Africa’s largest transport event, African Ports and Rail Evolution, welcomes dozens of African ports and rail authorities and thousands of qualified maritime, transport and logistics professionals to optimise hinterland and maritime connectivity, improve efficiency of rail networks and define the future of maritime and overland shipping across the continent. Efficient and effective transport systems and modern ports and railways are key to unlocking new trade opportunities and export markets.