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experts from not only South Africa, but the continent and beyond, sharing their experiences and recommendations:
The business, economic, and container outlook: In April 2017, the World Bank cut its growth outlook for Africa. After recording the worst decline in more than two decades in 2016, economic growth in Africa is expected to be 2.6 % this year and should rise to 3.2 % in 2018. The region is showing signs of recovery, with the continent’ s largest economies— Nigeria, Angola and, of course, South Africa— starting to rebound from the worst of the slowdown brought on by the commodity price crash. In this fragile economy, how can the region drive private sector growth and foster a more robust recovery and economic stimulus?
The race to be a hub port: Many African countries are racing to become one of the region’ s leading hub ports. Scattered over the whole of the African continent, heavy investment and expansion of the port as well as hinterland infrastructure are continuing. The goal for each project is to become the main regional gateway, increasing its role of becoming a hub port for transit and trans-shipment cargo, thereby serving as a reliable and efficient interchange for imports and exports.
Hinterland connectivity: African countries continue to be challenged by the lack of a comprehensive national highway system.
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Limited rail services mean cargo must be moved by road, which causes congestion, adding costs and delays. With trade corridors being developed, they look towards Maputo and Walvis Bay as important examples in the region. How can the region look to improve cross-border connectivity?
Port capacity and port performance: Except for South Africa, the region struggles to accommodate ships of more than 3 000 TEU and when these ships dock, productivity at the ports averages between 7 and 20 moves per hour per crane; this is against a worldwide standard of around 25, a number which many argue is still not enough. Investment is needed to expand and improve the size of the ports across the region and in the era of the mega ship, to be able to accommodate and process the high levels of cargo that this region sees.
Customs: Africa experiences the highest average customs delays in the world. Clearances and cargo inspections contribute to 75 % of trade facilitation delays and cripple the movement of cargo across the region. According to the World Bank, the average time for import is 36 days whilst the global average is 24 days.
Security: International piracy continues to plague the region, with attacks around Somalia increasing significantly. With a
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multitude of supply chain security risks, shippers and logistics partners need to be aware of the challenges of moving goods around the world.
Bulk logistics and technology: Africa was once touted as the‘ final frontier’ for the dry bulk market, but challenges presented by exporting raw materials from the continent remain. TOC Africa will keep delegates up to date with the latest innovations in dry bulk materials handling, shipping, port operations, and logistics
TECH TOC
The Port Equipment and Terminal Operations( Tech TOC) talks were hosted in the exhibition venue. Here, case studies from exhibitors who have equipped African ports were heard. Rather than focusing solely on the very latest technology and equipment, the event looked at where equipment specifically suited to the African market has been successful.
As container terminals face a perfect storm of big ships, carrier consolidation, and lower growth, the focus last year was on how to cut waste, boost efficiency, and build resilient, adaptive, constantly improving operations, in particular.
The conference was quite sophisticated, and delegates could download the app to do things like ask questions to the moderator anonymously, take part in industry polls, or view the conference agendas, speaker lists, exhibitor lists, and more.
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THE EXHIBITION
As mentioned, the conference was colocated with an exhibition. Delegates had to walk through the exhibition hall to get to the conference venue and all meals were served in this space, allowing plenty of time for people to walk around, see what’ s on offer, and network.
A total of 45 exhibitors booked their spot for the inaugural TOC Africa.
A TASTE OF DURBAN
The conference and exhibition days were followed by inspirational evening events at local Durban landmarks, giving delegates the opportunity to network while enjoying the best of Durban culture.
Delegates were treated to a cocktail party at Ushaka Marine World on the first night, where buses transported everyone to and from the venue on the rainy night. With an assortment of local cuisine( including bunny chows) and entertainment, it really was a first of its kind experience for many of the international visitors.
On the following night, visitors were taken to the Moses Mabhida Stadium for the official gala dinner.
COMING BACK IN 2019
The next edition of the event is due to take place in September 2019, once again with the full support of the KZN Provincial Government and Transnet Group. CLA
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