South Africa is set to host the second edition of the African Harbour Masters Committee (AHMC) Conference taking place from 2 – 4 April 2025 in Cape Town, under the theme “Navigating the Future: Sustainable Port Management in Africa.”

This edition brings together approximately 200 industry leaders including harbour masters, government officials and maritime professionals, representing at least twenty countries from across Africa, who work on developing the maritime sector and securing investments to promote sustainability while transforming port operations across the continent. Critical to the discourse will be discussions unpacking strategies and solutions to improve port performance and operations, highlighting climate change, sustainability, the handling of dangerous cargo within ports and skills development opportunities for maritime professionals.

"This engagement platform enables the African Harbour Masters Committee (AHMC) to contribute towards advancing the 2050 Africa integrated Maritime Strategy under the African Union, which aims to improve conditions related to environmental and economic development within the African countries. The Committee has grown steadily over the years with key partners such as the Port Management Association of East and Southern Africa as well as Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, supporting its work" said Captain Thulani Dubeko, AHMC President.

The South African leg will be officially opened by the Deputy Minister of Transport in the SA government, Honourable Mkhuleko Hlengwa on 2 April 2025. Interested parties can register here to attend the conference.

Commenting on behalf of the hosting ports authority, Adv Phyllis Difeto, Acting Chief Executive of Transnet National Ports Authority stated that: "TNPA's commitment to support the work of the Committee goes beyond the platform. We are dedicated to fostering development and transformation within the maritime sector. As captains of industry, we must prioritise facilitating trade, efficiently managing maritime port operation and ensuring safe navigation."

The AHMC, which is a chapter of the International Harbour Masters' Association, brings together African harbour master’s to share ideas on the management of all aspects of maritime port operations.