Maritime experts from Africa will meet in Durban, South Africa, to chart ways of enhancing regional integration and economic sustainability.

The experts, drawn from all major ports on the continent, regional economic commissions, shippers and transporters will meet in December at the 35th African Ports and Maritime Conference.

The conference is organised by the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA).

Its theme is, "Linking ports to corridors to enhance regional integration".

The two-day conference on December 10 and 11 will be held at the International Conference Centre.

It will be organised by PMAESA and Transnet National Ports Authority (NPA) of South Africa.

The conference is a popular year-ender for industry executives, owing to the relevance of its themes and the high caliber of its delegates.

Past conferences have been held in Khartoum, Sudan (2006), Victoria, Seychelles (2007) and Djibouti (2008).

The PMAESA Secretariat in Mombasa has already drawn up the programme of the conference, which will coincide with the board and council meetings of the organisation.

Besides Transnet, the conference is supported by the South African Association of Ship Operators and Agents, whose chief executive officer, Ms Thato Tsautse, recently held talks with PMAESA representatives on how to market the event in South Africa.

PMAESA Secretary General Jerome Ntibarekerwa says all stakeholders in the transport sector should register for the conference, saying it could unlock the continent's potential.

"By bringing experts together, we provide a platform for exchange of ideas and best practices.

"This should enable many players to harmonise their activities and exploit better the resources of Africa."

Transnet NPA chief executive Khomotso Philhela, who is also the host of the conference, said they are working hard to make the conference a success.

Senior managers from TNPA are working with PMAESA on the conference.