1–11 October 2026, Lomé, Togo
As part of the activities of the French-speaking Network of the UNCTAD TrainForTrade Port Management Programme (PMP), the Port Autonome de Lomé (PAL) is hosting a study visit for a delegation from the 17th cohort of the Port Autonome de Douala (PAD) from 1 to 11 October 2026. The visit aims to foster the exchange of knowledge and experience between the Lomé and Douala port communities through working meetings with representatives of port institutions and visits to infrastructure and organizations active in the port, trade, logistics and industrial sectors.
The first day brought together participants from both ports, trainers from the Lomé Programme, PAL representatives and alumni. Discussions focused in particular on skills development and cooperation between the two institutions. Participants from both cohorts also presented their case studies, explaining the research topics they had selected and the reasons behind their choices. Enriched by the trainers’ expertise, these exchanges produced experiences and recommendations to support the research projects and dissertations currently in preparation.
The programme also includes immersive visits to the Togolese Shippers’ Council (CNCT), the Lomé Container Terminal (LCT), the Lomé Wharf and the Adétikopé Industrial Platform (PIA). These visits allow participants to observe different practices and broaden their knowledge, while strengthening ties between the two port communities.
Programme outline
The UNCTAD TrainForTrade Port Management Programme (PMP) supports port communities in developing countries in delivering more efficient and competitive port management in the future. In order to increase trade flows and foster economic development, the programme creates port networks bringing together public, private, and international entities. The aim is to share knowledge and expertise between port operators and strengthen talent management and human resources development in port communities.
The PMP’s main objectives
- Strengthen institutional capacity and management efficiency of ports and related agencies.
- Promote port community participation and public-private partnerships.
- Enhance the competitiveness of ports and the quality of their services.
- Improve the environmental sustainability and social responsibility of ports.
The PMP provides technical assistance in various areas, including port planning, management and operations, logistics and supply chain management, port security, safety and environmental protection, and legal and regulatory frameworks. It also organizes training courses, workshops, and seminars, as well as conducts research and analysis on port-related issues.
