APM Terminals has said that Africa can only achieve lasting infrastructure, inclusive job creation, and sustainable economic growth through strong partnerships between government and private companies. This was the main point made by Mr. Igor van den Essen, Regional Managing Director for Africa and Europe at APM Terminals, during the Africa CEO Forum held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Mr. Igor said public-private partnerships are very important for long-term development across the continent. He explained that these partnerships involve both sides working together by sharing ideas and investing in major projects that benefit the public and the economy.
He said, “This is precisely the mindset guiding our engagement. In Nigeria, for instance, we are in active discussions with the port authority and government partners to upgrade our terminal in Lagos to service 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.”
Mr. Igor added that Africa, with its fast-growing population and expanding economy, is in a good position to play a big role in international trade. However, he warned that this opportunity may be lost if serious investments are not made in critical areas like ports, roads, and railways. Without these investments, he said, the infrastructure gap will continue to grow.
He also stressed that there is a direct link between economic growth and the quality of port infrastructure. “Seaport upgrades, inland connectivity, and corridor development are some of the most effective tools for improving competitiveness, boosting exports, and growing the economy,” he said.
Mr. Igor explained that APM Terminals is already going beyond just port operations by investing in a full range of logistics services. These include cold chain storage solutions, distribution centres, and digital systems that improve safety, reliability, and overall performance. He said these integrated services are meant to remove delays, improve coordination, and produce better results for customers and 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,” he added.
The Africa CEO Forum, which brought together more than 2,000 top leaders from both government and the private sector, focused on how Africa can raise more capital and build better infrastructure to unlock its next phase of economic growth. The event featured sessions on logistics, digital tools, trade, and financial investment across the continent.
In Nigeria, APM Terminals is a key operator at the Apapa Port in Lagos. The company has been working to expand the terminal to allow for larger ships and more efficient cargo handling. It is also investing in digital technology to reduce waiting time for trucks and improve turnaround time for ships.
Industry experts have often pointed to the high cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, largely due to congestion, poor road access, and delays in customs processing. Many believe that partnerships like the one being proposed by APM Terminals could help solve some of these problems if implemented properly.
Mr. Igor’s comments reflect a growing call from investors and business leaders for African governments to work closely with the private sector in building the transport and trade infrastructure needed to support the continent’s future.
