The Port Management Association of Eastern & Southern Africa (PMAESA) the leading industry voice for Port Authorities, Terminal Operators, Line Ministries and Port & Maritime Stakeholders from the Eastern & Southern African region is pleased to welcome aboard Webb Fontaine as an Observer Member.
Webb Fontaine is a leading provider of solutions for Trade facilitation, powered by world-class technology including artificial intelligence with a strong commitment in Africa.
Speaking on the development, PMAESA Secretary General Col. Andre Ciseau said:
“We are delighted to have Webb Fontaine on board as a member and more importantly a partner. We believe Webb Fontaine is well positioned to expand the usage of ICT especially in the fields of automation and digitisation in maritime transport value chain. The current landscape in the context of ICT implementation in African ports is fragmented and this was glaringly brought into focus by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ports need to incorporate resilient, holistic systems to mitigate similar challenges in the future.”
Col. Ciseau further added:
“With recent developments on mandatory electronic data exchange in ports for vessel clearance and subsequently cargo discharge as spelt out under the IMO FAL Convention, it is abundantly clear that maritime gateways need to accelerate update of digitization.”
Mr. Alioune Ciss, CEO of Webb Fontaine, had this to say:
“We are honoured to join the PMAESA Membership. Webb Fontaine recognises the value of information sharing and eagerly anticipates the opportunity to do so with other PMAESA members. We believe that technology plays a vital role in the growth and development of Ports in the region and we look forward to assisting PMAESA in achieving their aim of consolidation and collaboration."
About PMAESA
PMAESA established in 1973 under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is a non-profit, regional, inter-governmental organization of Port Authorities, Maritime Organizations, Government Line Ministries, Logistics and Maritime Service Providers and other port and shipping stakeholders from the Eastern, Western and Southern African as well as Western Indian Ocean regions.
PMAESA seeks to build consensus among member ports with a view to promoting regional cooperation and subsequently regional integration. The Association offers an appropriate framework for members to interface with one another in the port, transport and trade arenas to exchange benchmarks and best practices.
PMAESA also works towards improving conditions of operation and management of ports (coastal and inland) in its region of coverage with a view to increase their efficiencies.
The Association executes its mandate and coordinates its activities through its Secretariat based in Mombasa, Kenya.