Lasting infrastructure, inclusive employment, and sustainable growth in Africa have been described as achievable only when governments and businesses work together through public-private partnerships, sharing knowledge and co-investing in the future.
This was stated by APM Terminals’ Regional Managing Director for Africa and Europe, Igor van den Essen, at the recently concluded Africa CEO Forum held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Speaking during the panel session titled “Charting New Trade Routes: Strengthening the Resilience of African Supply Chains,” Igor emphasized that the essential role of public-private partnerships in enabling long-term development had been a recurring theme throughout the forum.
ALSO READ: Obodo crude blend: NUPRC congratulates Conoil on first cargo shipment
Other participants on the panel included Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chairman of the Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority – Great Horn Investment; Mathieu Friedberg, Chief Executive Officer of CEVA Logistics; and Hien Yacouba SIE, Managing Director of Port Autonome d’Abidjan.
Igor said, “This is precisely the mindset guiding our engagement in, for instance, Nigeria. We are in active discussions with the port authority and government partners to upgrade our terminal in Lagos to accommodate larger vessels, strengthen connectivity, and lower the cost of doing business. This is operational excellence in action—built on local collaboration, long-term planning, and customer-centric design to create joint predictability and stability.”
He added that Africa is poised to play a vital role in global trade, driven by its rapidly growing population and economies. However, without major investments in ports, roads, and rail infrastructure, the gap will only widen.
“Economic development is directly linked to robust port infrastructure. Seaport upgrades, inland connectivity, and corridor development are among the most effective levers for improving competitiveness, boosting exports, and driving the economy.
“Investing in infrastructure is investing in Africa’s future. It strengthens local industries, attracts private investment, and provides the foundation for stable and self-sustaining growth.
“That’s why our investments go beyond the quay. We’re building integrated logistics services—including cold chain solutions, distribution hubs, and digital tools that enhance safety, reliability, and performance across the board. Integration is how we remove barriers, unlock efficiencies, and deliver results for all stakeholders,” Igor stated.
Over 2,000 leaders and decision-makers from both the public and private sectors across Africa convened in Abidjan last week to explore how unlocking capital and strengthening logistics and infrastructure can usher in the continent’s next phase of growth.
Also present at the forum were Frederik Klinke, Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria; Courage Obadagbonyi, Chief Financial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria; Siebe Ruijgh, Head of Investment Africa, APM Terminals; and Robert Ruifrok, Head of Maersk Netherlands and Terminals Relations.
and then