Accra to host 7th Africa Ports Forum as maritime leaders gather to advance trade integration

Accra is set to host the 7th edition of the Africa Ports Forum from May 20 to 21, 2026, bringing together key stakeholders from Africa’s maritime, port and logistics sectors to discuss the future of trade and transport infrastructure on the continent.

The two-day forum, scheduled to take place at the Accra Marriott Hotel, is being organised by One Africa Forums under the high patronage of Ghana’s Ministry of Transport and Tanger Med Group.

The event is expected to attract participants from about 20 countries, including ministers, port authorities, regulators, terminal operators, shipping lines, logistics providers, investors, development institutions and technology firms.

Organisers say the forum has, since its inception in 2019, grown into a leading pan-African platform focused on port development, maritime connectivity and trade facilitation across Africa. Previous editions have been hosted in cities including Tangier, Djibouti City, Douala, Abidjan, Cotonou and Libreville.

This year’s discussions will focus on strategic issues shaping Africa’s maritime and logistics landscape, including port infrastructure financing, smart ports, green logistics, maritime connectivity, digital transformation, customs modernisation and public-private partnerships.

The forum will also provide a platform for investment promotion and business engagement through plenary sessions, technical discussions and B2B meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation among public and private sector players.

Speaking ahead of the event, the organisers underscored the importance of collaboration in supporting intra-African trade and the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“Africa Ports Forum continues to position itself as a platform for dialogue and concrete cooperation between decision-makers and operators committed to the modernization and competitiveness of African ports,” the organisers stated.

They added that the 2026 edition in Accra is expected to deepen partnerships and promote innovative solutions that will enhance the competitiveness and resilience of Africa’s ports and logistics infrastructure.