Study backs port privatisation to boost South Africa's trade and efficiency

A new study by Link Supply Chain Management reveals that port privatisation across Africa has significantly boosted efficiency, investment, and trade competitiveness. The research urges South Africa to fast-track similar reforms at its ports.

- Octavia Avesca Spandiel

A recent study by Link Supply Chain Management, owned by leading Western Cape fruit exporters, including Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, has confirmed the transformative impact of port privatisation across Africa, and calls for urgent action to implement similar reforms at South African ports, especially at the Port of Cape Town.

Speaking to Farmer's Weekly, Chris Knoetze, managing director of Link Supply Chain Management, said: “Our study has proven that South African ports will eventually be privatised and delaying the process will only delay sure economic benefits. All should be done to fast-track the process.”

CASE STUDIES

He added that case studies from Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Morocco and Togo showed how ports were revitalised following privatisation, with improvements in productivity, reduced delays and boosted trade.

Danica Potgieter, logistics coordinator at Link Supply Chain Management, said: “Major hubs like Tema [Ghana], Abidjan [Côte d'Ivoire], Tanger Med [Morocco] and Lomé [Togo] transitioned from slow, congested state-run systems into globally competitive trade engines shortly after privatisation.