THE ABIDJAN PORT AUTHORITY, A PARTNER OF THE 12th EDITION OF THE AFRICA CEO FORUM

Autres Monday 23 June 2025

The Abidjan Port Authority took an active part in the 12th edition of the Africa CEO Forum, held at Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from May 12 to 13, 2025.

This major gathering of economic leaders from across the continent provided an opportunity for the Port Authority to boost the visibility of the Abidjan Port among investors, policymakers, and international partners.

The official opening ceremony on Monday, May 12, 2025, was attended by the President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Alassane OUATTARA, underscoring the political and economic importance of this high-level event.

Held under the central theme: “Can a New Public-Private Deal Reset the Continent’s Priorities?”, the 2025 edition brought together nearly 3,000 participants from 75 countries.

Key topics included economic transformation through industrialization, improving economic governance, adapting regulatory frameworks to support public-private partnerships, and securing investments across the continent.

Over two days, participants discussed how to mobilize about mobilizing resources to accelerate structural reforms, attract more investment, and achieve the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

In his address, the Ivorian Head of State called for stronger intra-African trade through continued economic transformation efforts. He reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to maintaining a sound macroeconomic framework to support private sector development.

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, a strategic panel titled “Chain Reactions: Strengthening Logistics Resilience in the Face of Global Geopolitical Tensions” brought together several logistics experts, including the Managing Director of Abidjan Port Authority, Mr. Hien Yacouba SIÉ.

He began by noting that African ports have undergone significant modernization in recent years, contributing to global trade and the growth of African economies. However, he emphasized that this modernization has not significantly boosted intra-African trade.

While modernization adds value and streamlines logistics for operators, Mr. SIÉ highlighted that intra-African trade remains limited—estimated at only 15% in 2023, compared to 60% in Europe.

According to Mr. SIÉ, ports alone cannot drive inter-African trade. A clearly defined political will is also essential, supported by all decision-makers across the continent, to prioritize trade between African nations as a strategic goal.

He called on African states to create investor-friendly conditions, especially by eliminating customs barriers. Such measures could stimulate private interest in road, rail, and logistics infrastructure development.

By participating in this major forum for public-private strategic dialogue, the Abidjan Port Authority reasserts its ambition to become a growth driver for West Africa and a key player in regional economic development.

Note that this 12th edition of the Africa CEO Forum welcomed several African Heads of State, including H.E. Cyril RAMAPHOSA of South Africa, H.E. Paul KAGAME of Rwanda, H.E. Bassirou Diomaye FAYE of Senegal, and H.E. Mohamed Ould El-GHAZAOUANI of Mauritania.