Mr. Taleb Ahmed TAGHY, Director General of SOGETRAP (Port Labour Management Company), presents his vision to address the issue: How to strengthen the efficiency of docker workforce management within SOGETRAP to contribute to the overall performance of the

The port sector plays a strategic role in Mauritania’s economic and commercial development. Through the Autonomous Port of Nouakchott, known as the Friendship Port, the country secures the bulk of its maritime trade, notably the import of consumer goods, construction materials, and fuel. In this context, the proper functioning of the port relies heavily on the efficiency of port labour, of which the workforce is a vital link.
The management of this workforce is handled by SOGETRAP, which is responsible for the registration, allocation, and monitoring of dock workers involved in handling operations. However, despite its importance, the management system showed several limitations: manual assignments, planning conflicts, lack of a reliable database, low training levels among dockers, and the absence of effective motivation mechanisms.
In an increasingly competitive port environment, marked by infrastructure modernization and rising customer expectations (shipowners, freight forwarders, stevedores), SOGETRAP must adapt its management approach to improve productivity and service quality.
To strengthen the effectiveness of docker management and contribute to the overall performance of the Port of Nouakchott, SOGETRAP is working on several strategic levers:
1. Professionalization and continuous training to enhance docker skills and adaptability
• Implement continuous training programs (safety, handling, logistics, use of modern equipment, etc.).
• Establish an in-house port training center in partnership with specialized institutions.
• Encourage professional certifications (STCW, ISPS Code, etc.) to increase employability and individual performance.
2. Human resources optimization to align workforce levels with actual port traffic needs
• Develop dynamic work planning (assigning dockers according to skills and workload).
• Use computerized personnel management systems (HR software, digital scheduling) to track productivity, absences, and skill development.
• Implement regular individual and collective performance evaluations.
3. Improvement of working conditions to motivate dockers and reduce accident risks
• Renovate infrastructure and work equipment (sanitary facilities, changing rooms, safety equipment, etc.).
• Provide adequate social coverage (health, retirement, work accident insurance).
• Promote a safety culture and responsible behavior through regular campaigns.
4. Social dialogue and participatory governance to foster a climate of trust and collaboration
• Strengthen communication channels between management and dockers (election of representatives, joint committees, regular meetings, satisfaction surveys).
• Ensure fair representation of dockers in decisions related to workforce management.
• Prevent social conflicts by setting up an internal mediation unit.
5. Technological integration and innovation to achieve greater operational efficiency
• Introduce digital tools to monitor schedules, absences, training, and assignments.
• Train dockers in the use of new technologies (e.g., tablets for cargo management, RFID scanners).
• Encourage reasonable automation of port operations while supporting workforce transition.
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The workshop of the UNCTAD training workshop, which began on March 20, was concluded today, March 27, in the presence of the Deputy Director-General of the Autonomous Port of Nouakchott. This training workshop aimed at professionals in the port industry brought together about fifteen participants from the ports of Nouakchott and Ndiago, as well as from Abidjan, Douala, and Lomé. This session will train instructors capable of locally delivering the TrainForTrade port management course (240 hours) divided into 8 modules. This resumption of the port management program with the Autonomous Port of Nouakchott was approved by the Director-General, Mr. Sidi Mohamed Maham, indicating the importance placed on upgrading human resources at PAN PA. Technical advisor Mohamed Fayçal BEYROUK is the focal point responsible for the TrainForTrade program at the Autonomous Port of Nouakchott.
The MEDports Association is proud to announce the signing of a strategic agreement today in Nouakchott, a milestone in the cooperation and strengthening of maritime transport and logistics relations between Europe and Africa.
In a ceremony filled with symbolism, Mr. Sidi Mohamed Maham, on behalf of the Port of Friendship of Nouakchott, Mr. Abdelatif Lhouaoui representing the Agence Nationale des Ports of Morocco, and Mr. Eduard Rodés, Director of the Escola Europea - Intermodal Transport, have joined forces through a tripartite agreement. This pact will serve as a catalyst for the enhancement of international trade training, logistics and port operations, education, and management in the region, aligning its actions with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The project, known as "Mare Nostrum Atlantique", highlights the importance of quality education, the creation of decent jobs, and the promotion of sustainable economic development. Professional training in logistics and international trade will be prioritized, and the active exchange of knowledge and best practices among port communities will be vigorously promoted.
The signing of this agreement has been further strengthened by the presence and participation of Mr. Jordi Torrent, Secretary-General of the MEDports Association. His intervention served to underscore the significance of three members of the association committing to a collaborative protocol, undoubtedly setting a precedent for joint commitment to excellence and innovation in the provision of port and logistics services.
This agreement represents a significant advancement towards more robust and effective collaboration between the parties, with the common goal of driving economic development and environmental sustainability in their respective regions.
Mardi le 10 novembre, le Port Autonome de Nouakchott a organisé une visite de prospection et d'information pour la 3ième promotion de stagiaires du Collège de Défense du G5 Sahel, cycle 2020-2021.
Le Port Autonome de Nouakchott dit Port de l’Amitié « PANPA » a organisé les soutenances de mémoires de la 1ere promotion des ports de Mauritanie du 26 au 28 février 2019.