TOC Africa has wrapped up its highly anticipated 2025 edition with tremendous success, welcoming almost 800 attendees from across 52 countries, spanning five continents to Tangier.
The event, which took place from 17 to 18 September 2025, solidified its position as Africa's premier maritime logistics gathering, providing an essential forum for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and chart the future of port operations and supply chain management across the continent.
TOC is delighted to continue its relationship with Tanger Med and to return to Africa once again, building on the success of previous editions.
Conference highlights & distinguished speakers
The total program featured 40+ high-level speakers addressing critical challenges and options
The comprehensive program featured 40+ high-level speakers addressing critical challenges and opportunities facing Africa's maritime sector.
The carefully curated sessions delivered valuable insights on enhancing regional trade, infrastructure development, and strategic positioning in global shipping networks.
Standout presentations included:
- Mehdi Tazi Riffi, CEO, Tanger Med Group, delivering the "Welcome Speech & Opening Remarks" jointly with Paul Holloway, Event Director at TOC WORLDWIDE, and later speaking at the "Plenary Session - The Port as an enabler of trade and cooperation in Africa"
- David El-Bez, Director, Terminal Investment – France, Africa, Canary Islands - TiL/MSC Group, contributing expert analysis during the "African Ports in Global Trade" panel discussion
- Adeline Gabillaud, Vice-President, Regional Director West Africa at CMA CGM, sharing strategic insights at "Investing in Intra-African Trade & Logistics Corridors"
- Clavio Macuacua, Chairman, Maputo Logistics Corridor, Mozambique
- Michael Mama, Director of Operations, Port Authority of Kribi
- Biro Diallo, Managing Director, Autonomous Port of Conakry
- Jean Marie Koffi, Secretary General, Port Management Association of West and Central Africa – PMAWCA
- Col. André Ciseau, Secretary General, Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa – PMAESA
- Shahzad Athar, Vice President – Business Strategy, Adani Ports and SEZ & Board Member, Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Ltd.
- Mari Pennanen, Chief Business Development Officer, African Ports and Corridors Holdings (APCH)
- Maartje Driessens, Head of Business Development, Port of Antwerp-Brugges International
- Industry pioneers examining pathways to strengthen Africa's position in international shipping and commerce
Strategic conversations shaping Africa's maritime future
This year's program addressed several transformative themes for the continent:
- Plenary Session - The Port as an enabler of trade and cooperation in Africa: Discussions explored how ports can drive economic development across the continent, recognising that over 90% of Africa's international trade moves through maritime channels. Speakers outlined actionable approaches for port authorities and governments to establish performance standards and regulatory frameworks that enhance regional cooperation.
- African Ports in Global Trade: Sessions tackled the continent's current 7% contribution to global seaborne exports and 5% to imports, despite Africa's strategic location and rapid population growth. Experts examined how strategic investments, free trade zones, and response to shipping alliance reshaping could strengthen Africa's global trade position.
- Investing in Intra-African Trade & Logistics Corridors: With sixteen land-linked countries across Africa, speakers highlighted critical infrastructure needs for improved continental connectivity. Discussions centred on developing dry ports, railways, and logistics corridors to enhance market access and competitiveness.
Innovation showcase
The exhibition floor featured 40 pioneering port-focused solution providers displaying cutting-edge solutions across:
- Advanced port equipment and handling systems
- Digital transformation technologies
- Terminal management platforms
- Environmental sustainability innovations
- Logistics optimisation tools
Cross-sector collaboration
TOC Africa successfully united stakeholders from across the maritime supply chain, including port authorities
TOC Africa successfully united stakeholders from across the maritime supply chain, including port authorities, terminal operators, shipping lines, cargo owners, logistics providers, government officials, and technology suppliers.
As part of TOC's global portfolio of events, the conference addressed international maritime challenges while focusing on Africa-specific opportunities and solutions.
This international perspective provided attendees with valuable insights into global trends affecting regional development, and also highlighting the synergies between TOC's Worldwide events series that incorporate Europe, the Americas and Asia.
IMO's carbon neutrality provisions
In his opening speech, Mr. Mehdi Tazi Riffi, CEO of Tanger Med Group, declared, “Here in Tangier, on the Strait of Gibraltar, a key crossroads of global maritime routes, a bridge between Europe and Africa, and the gateway to the Mediterranean. This edition of TOC Africa comes at a time when our industry is facing multiple challenges: The outlook for global trade, the positioning of shipping companies and ports, the energy transition, and decarbonisation - particularly with the IMO's carbon neutrality provisions and those already implemented through the ETS."
TOC continues to deepen its footprint across this dynamic region of immense potential
"The digital transition at the level of our continent, topics such as Africa's share in global trade, regional integration, the role and performance of ports in economic development are all critical. All these themes reflect both the dynamism of our sector and the magnitude of the challenges we face”.
He added: "In this regard, Tanger Med, as a pioneering maritime, logistics, and industrial player in the Mediterranean and in Africa, fully embrace its role as a reference port and logistics platform - serving both global supply chains and regional development.”
Level of engagement and strategic discussions
"What we've witnessed at TOC Africa 2025 is truly remarkable – a genuine commitment from industry pioneers to transform challenges into opportunities for continental growth," remarked Paul Holloway, Event Director.
"The level of engagement and strategic discussions taking place here demonstrates Africa's determination to strengthen its maritime capabilities and enhance its position in global trade networks."
With Africa's maritime sector poised for unprecedented growth and attracting significant global investment interest, TOC continues to deepen its footprint across this dynamic region of immense potential.
