Mozambique took part in the international conference organised by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), held from 19 to 21 November at the Futuroad Expo Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event, under the theme ‘Unlocking Sub-Saharan Africa’s Potential: Transforming Transport and Logistics for a Sustainable Future’, brought together more than 100 delegates from 10 African countries, including Mozambique, to discuss innovative and integrated solutions in the transport and logistics sector, according to Engineering News.
The conference was attended by representatives from Mozambique, as well as other countries such as Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Over the three days, experts and industry leaders debated strategies to overcome the challenges that limit economic growth and regional integration, including inadequate infrastructure, disjointed regulations and non-tariff trade barriers.
The president of CILT International, Chief Teete Owusu-Nortey, emphasised in his opening speech that sub-Saharan Africa has vast resources, but faces significant obstacles in the area of transport and logistics. According to him, while intra-African trade represents only 13 per cent of trade, in Europe the figure is as high as 60 per cent. ‘The integration of transport and logistics systems is crucial to unlocking the continent’s economic potential,’ he said.
Mozambique, which has a strategic role due to its coastal location and its transport corridors, such as Maputo and Beira, was highlighted during the event as an example of a country with the potential to catalyse regional trade. Mozambican representatives emphasised the importance of improving connectivity between countries in the region, investing in intermodal infrastructure and adopting technologies to facilitate the movement of goods and people.
Among the main panels was the need to harmonise regulatory systems and implement digital platforms to coordinate customs and reduce corruption in transport corridors. Godwin Punungwe, senior consultant in transport and trade facilitation, emphasised that the use of digital technologies can eliminate non-tariff barriers and increase efficiency in the movement of goods.
Innovation and sustainability as pillars
Other experts presented practical solutions for transforming the transport sector in sub-Saharan Africa. Among them, Warwick Lord, representing the Multimodal Inland Ports Association, highlighted the importance of efficient logistics corridors and the standardisation of processes to attract investment and improve the customer experience.
Gerhard van Zyl, from Professional Aviation Services, addressed the impact of digital transformation on business models, while Henry Smith, from Powerfleet Africa, demonstrated how unified fleet management solutions are driving operational efficiency and sustainability in the region.
Collective commitment to the future
The conference was considered a milestone for regional integration and the promotion of sustainable solutions in the transport and logistics sector. ‘The event symbolises a joint effort to transform the transport landscape in sub-Saharan Africa,’ said Tapiwa Mujakachi, president of CILT Zimbabwe.
With Mozambique’s active participation, the event reinforced the country’s commitment to collaborating with regional partners to overcome challenges, improve infrastructure and adopt modern practices that facilitate economic growth and African integration.
