BY Melody Mwala
Despite being rich in resources, the Sub-Sahara Africa’s growth is being hampered by inefficient transport and logistics systems.
This has resulted in intra-African trade to stand at only 13 percent compared to Europe’s 60 percent.
Speaking during the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Landmark Conference held at the Futuroad Expo Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, CILT International President, Teete Owusu-Nortey Fcilt called for the need to address the challenges through infrastructure development, regulatory harmonisation, technological innovation and capacity building.
The event also saw Industry experts set the scene with Lwazi Mboyi, CEO of the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency
(C-BRTA), a sponsor of the event, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to overcome challenges in transport and logistics in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the goal of achieving a more integrated and sustainable future for the region’s transport systems.
And giving a presentation on the current state of intra-African trade and the progress being made towards continental integration another expert, Thabang Mamaru, Business Mobilisation at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), emphasised several key areas, including infrastructure development, safety and security, skills development and technology and digitalisation.
Mamaru’s insights were part of a broader agenda that included discussions on harmonising regulatory frameworks and leveraging innovation for sustainable transport solutions in Africa.
Multimodal Inland Port Association (MIPA) representative, Warwick Lord, presented the Association’s proposals for enhancing logistics corridors in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The proposed solutions for strengthening logistics corridors, included investment in infrastructure, the development of intermodal facilities, the standardisation of processes and documentation, the implementation of data-sharing platforms and a greater focus on improving customer engagement and satisfaction.
Expert views continued pouring in with Godwin Punungwe CMILT, Senior Transport and Trade Facilitation Consultant in the Tripartite Region and African Continent stated calling for the need to integrate ICT systems at the national, corridor and regional levels for better coordination of all customs and other government agencies involved in the clearance of goods.
“Let’s increase the establishment and use of digital infrastructure to identify and address non-tariff barriers in transport corridors and reduce corruption in trade and transport facilitation.” He said.
Gerhard van Zyl from Professional Aviation Services and Asimotech, presented an insightful overview of the rapid evolution of business in the context of accelerating technological advancement.
“Technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, compelling businesses to adapt or risk obsolescence,” he said.
Subsequently, Henry Smith, Chief Revenue Officer for Africa at Powerfleet, demonstrated how unified fleet solutions can facilitate digital transformation and operational excellence in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He said by leveraging the capabilities of telematics, Sub-Saharan Africa is spearheading a digital transformation in logistics, enabling unified fleet management, cost efficiency and innovation for a more intelligent and sustainable future in logistics.
Mike Daniel, Managing Director of RailRunner South Africa, addressed a number of critical themes relevant to the transport and logistics sector in Sub-Saharan Africa.
His remarks concentrated on pioneering solutions for rail transportation, the incorporation of multimodal logistics, sustainability initiatives and the fostering of collaborative relationships with key stakeholders.
And Dr Tapiwa Mujakachi, President of CILT Zimbabwe said the conference marked a significant milestone in collective effort to transform the transport and logistics landscape of Sub-Saharan Africa.
“The diverse representation from across the continent underscores our shared commitment to regional integration and sustainable development.” he said.
The three-day conference held November 19 to November 21 brought together more than 100 delegates from 10 African nations, including Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique and was jointly hosted by CILT’s Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe branches.
The event took place alongside Automechanika and Futuroad Expo 2024 under the Theme “Unlocking Sub-Saharan Africa’s Potential: Transforming Transport and Logistics for a Sustainable Future”
This is according to a statement issued by Catherine Larkin – CVLC Communication.
