According to Accenture, there is an opportunity to invest in automation in a significant manner in Africa, especially in terms of sea-side and land-side handling equipment.

It says this would help thwart some of the challenges faced from a talent standpoint. The company believes as much as a 30% productivity increase could be “purchased” through automation.

It adds that by investing in port IT systems, procedures and controls in ports, turn-around time, dwell time and handling costs can be improved significantly.

The introduction of a collaboration platform or solution that facilitates dynamic interaction between the systems of key role players (e.g. shipping agents, freight and logistics businesses) within a port city or municipality may add considerable value.

As SmartCity concepts are rolled out, this will be an important component, it says.