Panama Canal Cooperation and Dialogue Council

Purpose: Linking Africa to Americas and Pacific

The Panama Canal Cooperation and Dialogue Council brings together members from business, government and civil society who trade with the Americas and the Pacific. The canal links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. West and Southern African exporters rely on it, and trade between Africa and Latin America is growing. We respect the canal operator. We advise, gather evidence and advocate. We run no part of the canal.

Our Vision

Reliable Reach Across Two Oceans

African exporters able to plan around a transparent, predictable canal, and to reach Pacific and American markets with processed goods.

Our Mission

Clear Rules, Fair Costs, Steady Transit

Understand Constraints: Explain how water levels, draught limits and transit capacity affect African cargoes.
Seek Clear Scheduling: Ask for transparent booking, notice and fee information that African shippers can plan around.
Grow Africa-Latin America Trade: Link African and Latin American businesses, ports and chambers.
Prepare African Ports: Promote deeper berths and better services, so African cargo uses the best routes.

Expert Committee: Voices for Trans-Ocean Trade

The Panama Canal Committee will include:

Shipping Planners who understand routing and transit scheduling.
Exporters of African minerals, farm products and processed goods.
Port Engineers focused on draught and berth capacity.
Latin America Trade Specialists who build business links.
Policy Advisors experienced in freight and fees.

Engagement with Authorities: Partnering for Progress

The Canal Operator:

Seek respectful dialogue with the canal operator and its host state on scheduling, information and capacity. Decisions remain theirs.

African and Latin American Partners:

Work with the African Union, regional communities and Latin American counterparts to widen trade and shared port investment.

Maritime and Legal Institutions:

Support engagement with the International Maritime Organization on shipping practice.
Where a dispute needs a ruling, point parties to the recognised bodies under international law, such as the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Council Convener: Bridging Two Oceans

The Council Convener will:

Chair the Council and set its research agenda. Appointments will be announced.
Put African shippers’ needs to partners in calm, factual talks.
Build links between African and Latin American traders.

Why this Council Matters

For Exporters: Better planning and fewer surprises on long ocean routes.
For New Markets: A stronger path to Latin America and the Pacific.
For African Ports: A reason to invest in depth, speed and service.

Reach Beyond Two Oceans

Join the Panama Canal Council and help African goods reach the Americas and the Pacific. Nominations are invited. Make in Africa is not affiliated with, a member of or endorsed by any international maritime body.

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The Make In Africa Global Summit (MIAGS) is a global platform connecting leaders, businesses, investors, institutions and policymakers shaping the next era of economic growth across the Global South and Africa.

MIAGS advances South–South cooperation, trade, investment, industrialization, technology, infrastructure and economic resilience, creating platforms for dialogue, strategic partnerships and cross-border opportunities.

Our mission is to strengthen the Global South and Africa’s role in the global economy by connecting capital with opportunity, innovation with markets and economic priorities with action—while fostering a more connected, productive and influential economic future.