A significant step forward in cooperation between two leading port platforms was formalized in Paris, where the Pointe-Noire Port Authority (PAPN) and HAROPA PORT signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement. This signing took place on Friday 23 may 2025, during the official visit to France of His Excellency Mr. Denis SASSOU NGUESSO, President of the Republic of Congo.
The agreement was initialed by Mr. Séraphin BHALAT, Director General of the Pointe-Noire Port Authority, and Mr. Chris Danaradjou, Deputy Director General of HAROPA PORT. First announced during the Business Forum organized by PAPN in Paris in September 2024, this partnership embodies a shared desire to strengthen ties and optimize synergies between Central Africa and Western Europe.
A Multidimensional Cooperation for Shared Objectives
This strategic partnership is built around several key axes, aiming to boost trade and promote innovative and sustainable port management:
- Commercial Development and Maritime Flows: The agreement plans to strengthen commercial networks and intensify maritime flows, with the objective of revitalizing logistical corridors between Central Africa and Western Europe.
- Technological Innovation and Expertise Sharing: It encourages the exchange of best practices in port management, logistics, and maritime technologies, thereby promoting technological innovation.
- Sustainability and Environmental Impact Reduction: The two entities will collaborate on initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impact of port activities, as part of a sustainability and innovation approach.
- Information Sharing and Joint Projects: Close collaboration on projects aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of port activities will be established through regular information sharing.
- Training and Skill Development: The partnership includes training programs and technical exchanges, designed to develop the skills of personnel from both ports.
Consolidation of a Regional Maritime Hub
Under the impetus of the highest Congolese authorities, this partnership illustrates PAPN’s determination to strengthen its integration into global logistics chains. It also aims to consolidate its position as a regional maritime hub on the African Atlantic coast, which is essential for the region’s economic development.
The signing ceremony tookte place under the distinguished patronage of the Head of State, H.E. Mr. Denis Sassou Nguesso. Also present were Mrs. Ingrid Olga Ghislaine Ebouka-Babackas, Minister of Transport, Civil Aviation, and Merchant Marine, representatives of both port structures, as well as institutional, economic, and diplomatic stakeholders. This event marked a strong commitment to mutually beneficial and sustainable cooperation.
This partnership between the Pointe-Noire Port Authority and HAROPA PORT opens new perspectives for maritime trade and logistics between Africa and Europe. What might be the next concrete steps for implementing this agreement?
