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Port Management Association of
Eastern & Southern Africa
Eastern & Southern Africa
Delegates from African Ports Attend Capacity Building Workshop in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
2 September 2025
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
A high-level capacity building workshop bringing together port and maritime experts from Africa and Malaysia was opened today in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The event aimed to foster knowledge and skills transfer between industry leaders and strengthen collaboration across continents.
The 3-day workshop titled: Malaysia – Africa Maritime & Port Management Knowledge Exchange 2025 is hosted by the Ministry of Transport, Malaysia and Co-organized by the Johor Port Authority, Kuantan Port Authority, Kemaman Port Authority and the Port Management Association for Eastern & Southern Africa (PMAESA) as the technical lead from Africa.
The meeting was officially opened by Dr. Siva Sangar Krishnan, Undersecretary of the Maritime Division, Ministry of Transport Malaysia, who underscored the importance of international cooperation in advancing maritime trade and port efficiency
In his keynote address, Dr. Krishnan highlighted Malaysia’s strong commitment to strengthening Malaysia–Africa maritime partnerships under the IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP), promoting digitalisation with the launch of the Malaysia Maritime Single Window (MMSW) in 2025, driving green port initiatives in line with the IMO’s Revised GHG Strategy and continuing Malaysia’s active role as a candidate for the IMO Council (Category C) 2026–2027.
In his welcoming remarks, YBrs. (Dr.) Haji Rosnan bin Fathlal, Chairman of Johor Port Authority, described the land-mark programme as “a unique platform to strengthen Malaysia–Africa maritime ties, exchange practical knowledge and foster meaningful cooperation that transcends borders.”
Dr Fathlal further emphasised that Johor, as Malaysia’s Southern Maritime Gateway, is proud to play host to this milestone initiative.
On his part, PMAESA Secretary General Col. Andre Ciseau expressed his deep appreciation to Malaysia for initiating and hosting this programme, observing that it represents a historic milestone for South–South cooperation and provides a valuable opportunity to share best practices, strengthen institutional linkages and expand maritime collaboration across regions.
Other dignitaries also included YBrs. Tuan Haji Azan bin Ismail, Chairman of Kemaman Port Authority and Mr. Rowland Tantoh Kwalar, Project Manager at Port Management Association for West & Central Africa (PMAWCA).
The visitors were drawn from Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The diverse representation reflected the shared commitment of African ports to enhance operational
excellence and embrace global best practices.
The planned programme provides opportunities for the visiting delegates to engage directly with sector experts and stakeholders in Malaysia on port operations, logistics, digitalisation and sustainable development within the maritime sector. The program also includes interactive sessions, site visits and technical exchanges where participants gain first-hand insights.
Photos: Courtesy of Johor Port Authority (JPA)