The Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is expected to increase intra-Africa trade in transport services by nearly 50 per cent, according to estimates by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). In 2019, air accounted for only 0.9% of intra-Africa freight transport. With the implementation of AfCFTA, however, this could double airfreight volumes from 2.3 to 4.5 million tonnes by 2030. The potential and possibilities for air cargo are the focus of the Air Cargo Conference hosted by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport: South Africa, on 23 February 2023 at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
According to global industry body the International Air Transport Association, despite lockdowns and border closures across the Continent, Africa’s air cargo volumes rose 1% during 2020. Air cargo transports about $5.6-trillion worth of goods, or about 35% of world trade by value, but represents only 1% by volume.
“The transport sector is set to benefit significantly from AfCFTA,” says Elvin Harris CMILT, President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport: South Africa. “The aim of the CILTSA Air Cargo conference is to explore the opportunities that it brings to the air cargo industry.”
The aim of AfCFTA is to create a single continental market for goods & services, with free movement of people, goods and investments, enhancing competitiveness and supporting economic transformation.
The draft Agenda for the half-day Conference includes:
• “Airlines and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area: Increasing connectivity and the movement of air cargo across the region” by Dr Joachim Vermooten – CEO: Vermooten and Associates.
• “What is needed for AfCFA to work and what is the impact of AfCFTA on the supply chain?” by Devlyn Naidoo MILT – Executive: SARS and Other Government Agencies (OGAs): the SA Association of Freight Forwarders
• Africa’s airline development: An airline’s perspective
• Data Driven Decisions Enabled by Digital Transformation by Munya Husvu, CEO: ISB Optimus
• Artificial Intelligence/Technology case study
“The aim of the CILTSA Air Cargo conference is to explore the opportunities that it brings to the air cargo industry.” https://t.co/uvKlakSIMj #ArriveAlive #AirCargo #Freight @CILTSA pic.twitter.com/5thxrTVK1t
— Truck And Freight (@TruckAndFreight) January 30, 2023
Registration fees are R500 for members and R600 for non-members. Members of the African Women in Supply Chain (AWISCA), the SA Express Parcel Association (SAEPA), the SA Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) and Tshwane Women in Transport (TWIT) qualify for member rates. To register for the event, visit www.cvlc.co.za/registration
The event is taking place alongside Air Cargo Africa, Africa’s leading industry air cargo exhibition. Delivering new business opportunities, global perspectives and strong networking platforms, the Air Cargo Africa Trade Show, Conference and Awards Evening engage the global air cargo community to explore and strengthen networking corridors with the African Continent.
The CILTSA event is sponsored by ISB Optimus and MiX Telematics.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Catherine at 083 300 0331 or email cvlarkin@ciltsa.org.za
About CILTSA
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport supports the professionals who plan the systems, who bring in the raw materials, who manage the movement of people and goods, who ensure safety standards, maintain mobility, and keep the economy working.
We are the leading professional body for everyone who works in supply chain, logistics and transport. We are a global family, representing professionals at all levels across all sectors, with a mission to give individuals and organisations access to the tools, the knowledge and the connections vital to success in the logistics and transport industry.
Founded in 1919 with a mission to improve industry practices and nurture talent, our Institute supports over 35,000 members in 35 countries. Through our educational suite, our strong community and our commitment to high standards, we help professionals at all levels to develop their careers and access better jobs. Visit www.ciltsa.org.za and https://ciltinternational.org/ for more information
