‘Modal shift to rail is Africa’s biggest challenge’

Whilst existing non-tariff barriers continue to hamper trade, much progress has been made in recent years to open up the African continent, according to Lanfranc Situma, deputy directorgeneral of Natmap 2050. “We still have much work to do in Africa,” he told FTW. ”Border posts remain congested with long queues of trucks while the railway system across the continent can best be described as being in the national archives.” According to Situma, the continued modal shift from rail to road has become the biggest challenge in logistics on the continent. “Travelling in Africa it is clear to see that we are over-reliant on one mode – road. And whether in South Africa, the DRC, Kenya or Uganda, all over the continent there are problems because we are over-reliant on road and it does not allow our economies to grow.” According to Situma, the lack of a multi-modal transport approach is possibly the biggest threat to Africa’s infrastructure. “We are damaging Africa’s infrastructure every day. I recently came across a sign along the side of the road warning drivers of potholes for the next 9600km. That is unacceptable, but it also will not change unless we change the way we move cargo on the continent.” Situma said transportation systems in Africa were neither demand-responsive nor costeffective. “It is important that we address the challenges, but not only as individual countries but also a continent,” he said. “We need to look at what our neighbouring countries are doing and work together to improve our transport and logistics infrastructure.” For Situma the task ahead is massive. “It is not going to be easy. Not only do we have to address the skill level of the transport and logistics industry on the continent, but also embrace new technology. We are several generations behind what is happening in the developed world and we have to catch up or face the reality that we will not get our economies moving.” He said it was time to enhance continental connectivity and corridor development in order to stimulate intra-Africa trade, and also allow Africa to trade more efficiently with the rest of the world. CAPTION Lanfranc Situma … ‘We must embrace new technology.’