Moving goods efficiently to inland cities

In the model, port and terminal operations shift focus from container lifts toward integrated container transport solutions.

While addressing the topic of Dry Ports and Inland Corridors at the opening of the conference, Mr. Mueller stated that dry ports and inland markets are the untapped, overlooked opportunity markets of the future in Africa. Mr. Mueller demonstrated how the current population growth trends are, including the development of population megacities distant from coastal locations that will become powerful drivers of inland markets. Therefore, ports will compete to become preferred gateways to move goods efficiently to inland cities and landlocked countries and the ports that can provide the best and most efficient connectivity to those inland markets will be the winners.

Finally, Mr. Mueller, stated that importers will not wait for improved infrastructure while the cargo will simply move to other ports. “The future prosperity of these African countries depends on access to the global economy and new markets since high-growth markets need inland infrastructure and logistics capabilities along development corridors” he said.