TrainForTrade final dissertations of Port Management Programme, Cycle 8 in Gabon

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.

Programme outline 

As part of the activities of the French-speaking network of the TrainForTrade Port Management Programme (PMP), the trainees of the 8th cycle of the port community of Gabon take part in the course on Modern Port Management (280 hours). The full cycle will span a time of about two years with each of the eight one-week modules being delivered every two to three months. 

At the end of the cycle, the trainees will prepare business reports consisting of case studies concerning a real problem or opportunity in their port community and providing concrete and actionable recommendations. Later, they will defend their theses in front of a jury made up of international experts who are also members of the TrainForTrade network. 

The group composed of 19 middle managers (7 women) from the port communities of Gabon will present the case studies to national and international jury members from UNCTAD and Gabon to obtain UNCTAD TrainForTrade’s Port Management Programme certificate.