South Africa’s state-owned logistics company, Transnet, is advancing international cooperation efforts aimed at improving the country’s logistics and port infrastructure.
On Friday, 8 May 2026, a Transnet delegation led by Group Chief Executive Adv Michelle Phillips met with representatives from the Embassy of Belgium and the Government of Flanders at the Embassy of Belgium in Pretoria. The engagement focused on strengthening implementation of a strategic partnership designed to modernise South Africa’s ports and enhance regional trade competitiveness.
The meeting follows the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Transnet, Port of Antwerp-Bruges International and APEC-Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Centre during the World Economic Forum in Davos on 22 January 2026.
High-Level Engagement in Pretoria
The Pretoria engagement brought together senior executives from Transnet, representatives of the Government of Flanders, officials from Port of Antwerp-Bruges International and experts from APEC to finalise operational details of the three-year partnership.
A major outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC), which will oversee implementation of the agreement and coordinate cooperation between the participating institutions.
The committee is expected to meet next month to develop annual monitoring plans, coordinate working groups and track progress across key strategic areas.
Partnership to Support South Africa’s Port Modernisation
The partnership is regarded as an important step towards improving South Africa’s logistics system and strengthening the efficiency of the country’s ports.
The collaboration aims to create long-term improvements in:
- Port operations and efficiency.
- Infrastructure planning and development.
- Trade facilitation and corridor management.
- Digitalisation and innovation within port systems.
- Sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The agreement also supports South Africa’s broader efforts to position itself as a competitive logistics and trade hub on the African continent.
Key Areas of Cooperation
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the partnership will focus on several strategic areas of collaboration.
Governance and Operational Support
The agreement provides for managerial, operational, strategic and governance advisory support to strengthen institutional performance and operational effectiveness within South Africa’s port system.
Port Digitalisation and Innovation
The partnership will promote modern digital systems and operational technologies aimed at improving port management, cargo handling and logistics coordination.
Sustainability and Energy Transition
The cooperation framework includes sustainability strategies and policy support focused on energy transition, ecological responsibility and socially responsible infrastructure development.
Corridor Development and Investment
The agreement also seeks to support corridor development initiatives and attract foreign investment programmes that can improve regional trade connectivity and infrastructure growth.
Training and Capacity Building
Skills development and institutional capacity building form a major component of the partnership, with training opportunities expected for both individuals and institutions in the logistics and maritime sectors.
Strengthening International Cooperation
Belgium’s port sector is internationally recognised for its expertise in logistics, sustainability and digital port management.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges International is considered one of Europe’s leading port ecosystems and has extensive experience in international logistics connectivity and smart port systems.
The collaboration reflects growing cooperation between South Africa and Belgium in areas of trade, infrastructure development and economic partnership.
Delegation Leadership
The Transnet delegation was led by Group Chief Executive Adv Michelle Phillips and included:
- Group Chief Operating Officer Solly Letsoalo.
- Group Chief People Management and Learning Officer Tumi Matsheka.
Their participation underscored the strategic importance of the partnership to Transnet’s long-term operational and institutional development goals.
A New Chapter for South Africa’s Port Development
The Transnet-Belgium partnership represents a significant development in South Africa’s efforts to modernise its ports, improve logistics efficiency and strengthen international trade competitiveness.
Through collaboration in digitalisation, sustainability, governance and skills development, the agreement is expected to contribute towards a more efficient and globally connected transport and logistics sector for South Africa and the wider African region
