The Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Banking at the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM), Mr. Moses Klu Mensah, has called for increased investment in maritime infrastructure, logistics, technology and financing to unlock Africa’s trade potential and accelerate economic transformation.
He said the maritime sector remained central to industrialisation, export expansion, investment attraction and job creation, making it a critical pillar for Africa’s competitiveness in the global economy.
Mr. Mensah made the call in a speech delivered on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of GEXIM, Mr. Sylvester Adinam Mensah, at the opening of the Maritime Trade Fair in Accra.
The event, held on the theme “Shaping Africa’s Maritime Future: Maritime, Technology and Finance,” brought together regulators, financiers, insurers, logistics operators, technology firms, maritime professionals and start-ups to discuss strategies for strengthening Africa’s maritime industry.
According to Mr. Mensah, Ghana and other African countries must view the maritime economy as more than a transport sector and recognise it as a strategic enabler of trade, industrial production and economic growth.
“The maritime sector connects producers to markets, facilitates exports and imports, supports industrial activity and influences the overall cost of doing business,” he stated.
He stressed that efficient ports, reliable logistics systems, affordable financing, responsive regulatory frameworks and modern technologies were essential to building a resilient export economy and enhancing Africa’s competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mr. Mensah identified access to finance as one of the most important drivers of growth within the maritime value chain, noting that exporters, freight forwarders, logistics companies, warehousing operators, insurers and technology providers all require capital to scale up operations and improve efficiency.
He said development finance institutions such as GEXIM play a vital role not only in providing funding but also in supporting businesses to become export-ready and competitive in international markets.
The Deputy CEO further called for stronger alignment between regulation, infrastructure development and private sector investment to eliminate bottlenecks, lower transaction costs and improve the movement of goods across ports and borders.
He also highlighted the growing role of technology in transforming maritime operations, explaining that digital solutions could improve cargo tracking, customs clearance, payment systems, insurance verification and access to trade-related information.
“Technology is becoming a key enabler of efficiency, transparency and risk management across the maritime industry,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director of Whitestone Shipbrokers, Mrs. Gertrude Adwoa Ohene-Asienim, said the maritime industry was experiencing rapid changes driven by technological innovation, evolving trade patterns, sustainability requirements and increasing demand for efficient supply chains.
She noted that digital platforms, fintech applications, automation and smart logistics solutions were reshaping the sector and creating new business opportunities for African enterprises.
According to her, the Maritime Trade Fair serves as an important platform for collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing among industry stakeholders seeking practical solutions to challenges confronting the sector.
Mrs. Ohene-Asienim also emphasised the importance of human capital development, particularly for women and young professionals, stating that Africa’s maritime future would depend not only on infrastructure and technology but also on skilled people capable of driving innovation and growth.
She urged governments, academia, industry players and the private sector to deepen partnerships to unlock the full economic potential of the maritime industry and position Africa as a stronger player in global trade.
Industry observers believe that strengthening maritime infrastructure and logistics systems will be crucial to realising the objectives of the AfCFTA and boosting intra-African trade, which remains below its potential despite the continent’s growing market opportunities.
