African Shippers' Councils Meet in Douala to Tackle Trade Challenges

Maritime transport challenges impacting African trade are under intense discussion as representatives from African Shippers' Councils convene in Douala, Cameroon. The ordinary session of the Steering Committee of the Union of African Shippers' Councils (UCCA), hosted by the National Shippers' Council of Cameroon (CNCC S.A.), brings together delegates from fifteen councils. Discussions are focused on critical issues such as reducing port costs and transit times for goods, the effects of fluctuating freight rates, and surcharges on African international trade. Harmonizing the Cargo Tracking Note (Bordereau de suivi de cargaison) is also a key agenda item. Auguste Mbappe Penda, Director General of CNCC S.A. and statutory treasurer of UCCA, welcomed the strong African delegation, emphasizing the significance of hosting the meeting in Cameroon. Dr. Dominique Candide Fabrice Koumou Boulas, UCCA's acting president and Director General of the Congolese Shippers' Council, highlighted that these deliberations occur amidst persistent tensions in international maritime transport. The participants will also review the implementation of previous resolutions and explore reforms to enhance coordination among Shippers' Councils. The overarching goal is to sustainably improve international goods transport conditions and boost trade competitiveness across the continent.

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the importance of this meeting organized in Cameroon.