The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) is hosting a first-of-its-kind joint conference between its South Africa and Zimbabwe branches at the Futuroad Expo in Johannesburg.
The conference, themed ‘Unlocking sub-Saharan Africa's Potential: Transforming Transport and Logistics for a Sustainable Future’, takes place from November 19 to 21. The event will focus on the solutions to the myriad challenges facing transport and logistics that are hindering economic development and regional integration.
CILT South Africa and Zimbabwe have called on speakers across the region to contribute to the event by delivering presentations on key issues facing the sector.
These include:
• Infrastructure development and challenges: Expanding and improving road, rail, aviation and port infrastructure, innovative solutions, funding gaps, sustainable practices and investments in new infrastructure.
• Transport corridors: Development and optimisation, prioritisation and planning, financing, multi-modal integration, challenges and solutions, harmonisation, regional economic integration through corridors and fostering cross-border collaboration.
• Cross-border challenges: Trade barriers, one-stop border posts, latest developments, technology, customs procedures, the role of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), simplifying customs procedures and border crossings and enhancing regional trade corridors.
• Harmonisation (including legal and regulatory frameworks): Strategies for harmonisation to facilitate the smoother movement of goods and people, regulatory requirements, planning frameworks and better alignment with AfCFTA and Agenda 2063.
• Safety and security: Driver wellness and safety, fatigue management, technological advancements and improving road safety standards.
• Skills development and education: Identifying gaps, collaboration, curriculum development, certification and accreditation, the use of technology, internships and apprenticeship programmes, continuous professional development and the promotion of diversity and inclusivity.
• Technology and digitalisation: Digitalisation for integration, streamlining processes, regional collaboration, innovation for regional applications, emerging technologies, data flow and technological trends.
• Innovation: Harnessing the power of data and artificial intelligence, innovation for last mile delivery, financing innovation in African transport and building a more sustainable transport future for sub-Saharan Africa.
Presenting at the conference will give speakers an opportunity to share their expertise with industry professionals across sub-Saharan Africa and contribute to shaping the future of transport and logistics in the region.
Presentation proposals may be submitted to CILT South Africa executive director, Catherine Larkin at cvlarkin@ciltsa.org.za. Proposals must include the speaker’s name, job title, company, and a brief biography highlighting their expertise as well as the proposed presentation title and a 250-word abstract.
