According to Accenture, port productivity is based on two main factors: terminal infrastructure, and processes and governance mechanisms.

It says while terminal infrastructure challenges can be resolved through automation and capital investment; productivity remains dependent on addressing of uncompetitive practices.

Reform should address some of the perverse incentives for harmful behaviour that creates artificial delay and congestion at ports. It is important that different stakeholders—port owner, operator, shippers and stevedores—understand the need to increase throughput as the only way of increasing the trade and development that is so vital for growth.

Companies, particularly those that are driving infrastructure development, must dare to devise, test and scale new approaches to drive future growth and prosperity.

Efforts by leading companies suggest this change is already happening—successfully—and that it cannot be avoided. Organisations, regardless of market, geography or industry, must lay the foundation now for a new way of doing business that will enhance the customer’s value proposition and revenues while improving resource productivity and reducing costs.

As Africa stands on the brink of a demographic dividend, the rising consumer class presents enormous new opportunities. Fast movers can get to the prize first with innovations that leverage scalable and cost-effective technologies and collaborative partnerships, so improving quality of life locally while broadening their markets and contributing to the future success of this incredible continent.