APM Terminals, one of the world’s leading port and terminal operators, has emphasized the importance of robust public-private partnerships (PPPs) in closing Africa’s vast infrastructure gaps and unlocking sustainable growth across the continent.
Speaking at the recently concluded Africa CEO Forum 2025 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the Regional Managing Director for Africa and Europe at APM Terminals, Igor van den Essen, underscored that long-term development in Africa hinges on joint investment strategies between government institutions and private sector stakeholders.
According to van den Essen, the company’s operational philosophy is anchored in collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to building durable and efficient infrastructure. “This is precisely the mindset guiding our engagement. In Nigeria, for instance, we are in active discussions with the Nigerian Ports Authority and other government partners to upgrade our terminal in Lagos. The goal is to service larger vessels, strengthen multimodal connectivity, and reduce the cost of doing business,” he said.
He added that sustainable growth is best achieved through inclusive development models that focus on co-creation, transparency, and value generation for local economies. “We are not just investing at the quayside; we are building integrated logistics ecosystems—cold chain infrastructure, distribution hubs, and digital solutions that enhance performance and reliability,” he noted.
Van den Essen pointed out that Africa is at a pivotal moment in its growth trajectory. While the continent’s population and economic potential continue to rise, inadequate infrastructure remains a critical barrier to progress. “Africa’s future role in global trade depends heavily on how we tackle the infrastructure deficit,” he warned. “Without significant investment in seaports, roads, and railways, the continent’s competitiveness will decline, widening the development gap.”
He stressed that investing in port infrastructure is one of the most strategic levers for boosting exports, attracting foreign direct investment, and creating job opportunities. “Every dollar spent on logistics modernization reverberates across multiple sectors, from agriculture and manufacturing to e-commerce and healthcare,” he explained.
In Nigeria, APM Terminals operates one of West Africa’s busiest container terminals—APMT Apapa. The company has already invested over $438 million in terminal development, equipment upgrades, and technology deployment. However, van den Essen revealed plans for an ambitious upgrade to support larger vessels and improve cargo dwell times.
“The Apapa terminal is a prime example of how PPPs can work. We’re seeking government support to deepen berths, improve access roads, and integrate rail services. This is not just about efficiency—it’s about economic transformation,” he said.
The Nigeria project aligns with the company’s larger vision of customer-centric design and long-term planning, he added.
APM Terminals’ advocacy for PPPs aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda. Efficient infrastructure and harmonized logistics are critical to achieving the goals of the AfCFTA, which seeks to create a single market for goods and services across 54 African countries.
Over 2,000 public and private sector leaders convened at the Africa CEO Forum to deliberate on strategies to unlock capital and improve infrastructure efficiency across the continent. Panelists echoed van den Essen’s sentiments, noting that governments must create enabling environments that attract private sector investment while ensuring transparency, accountability, and local content inclusion.
Van den Essen called on African governments to prioritize investment-friendly policies, transparent procurement frameworks, and capacity-building initiatives. “Africa doesn’t just need capital—it needs the right partnerships. And we’re here for the long haul,” he concluded.
As Africa pushes for economic diversification and regional integration, the role of PPPs will only become more central. APM Terminals’ model in Nigeria may well become a blueprint for other African economies seeking sustainable infrastructure transformation.