Sonless Martin, representing Global Trade & Business Development at PortMiami, served as a featured panelist during the Transportation & Logistics Roundtable at the Africando 26th Annual U.S.–Africa Trade & Investment Conference and Expo.
Martin joined John Heffernan of Miami International Airport (MIA) in a discussion that brought together port and airport perspectives to explore ways of making cross-border trade faster, safer, and more resilient.
The roundtable focused on how public–private partnerships (PPPs) can accelerate trade facilitation across the Americas and Africa by strengthening the connections between ports, airports, and inland logistics hubs.
Key discussion topics included:
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Expanding cold-chain capacity to protect perishable and pharmaceutical cargo;
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Modernizing warehousing systems for greater throughput and traceability;
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Upgrading port and airport infrastructure to enhance reliability, speed, and cost efficiency for shippers and SMEs;
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Harmonizing customs and regulatory processes to reduce dwell times while maintaining compliance and security.
Martin emphasized the importance of Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) programs and strategic partnerships in lowering landed costs and providing greater supply chain certainty for exporters and importers across the Atlantic. Heffernan highlighted air cargo connectivity and the need to maintain end-to-end cold-chain integrity, from tarmac to warehouse.
Distinguished delegates in attendance
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Fred Olagoke Oladeinde, President, The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) — USA
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Hon. Akwasi Opong Foso, Chairman, Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) — Ghana
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Mr. Francis Shako, Coordinator, Africa Trade Development Center (ATDC) — USA
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Professor Denis Kandolo Kakongo, President, Middle Lualaba University — DRC
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Mr. Abdul Razak Baba, Deputy CEO, GIPC — Ghana
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Dr. Reuben Owusu Gyamfi, Board Member, GIPC — Ghana
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Mrs. Mercy Naa Afrowa Needjan, Board Member, GIPC — Ghana
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Mr. Abdul Kadiri Aliou, AIPO, GIPC — Ghana
Africando’s Transportation & Logistics Roundtable reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening U.S.–Africa trade relations through investment-ready, practical solutions that align infrastructure development, policy innovation, and private-sector collaboration.
