Africa Forum, CILT’s platform for regional co-operation and discussion, will be held next week in Abuja, Nigeria. Under the theme Building Capacity for Efficient Logistics and Transport Services in Africa, the conference will discuss solutions to the human resource, infrastructural and fiscal challenges facing the continent.
In addition to presentations by International President Kevin Byrne and Secretary General Keith Newton, there will be an array of speakers including the Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, Nigerian Minister for Transport, WiLAT Global Convenor Hajia Aisha Ali-Ibrahim, Chairman of Africa Forum Chief Teete Owusu-Nortey and Ibrahim Jibril, Chairman of CILT Nigeria.
Logistics is a key metric for measuring the health of an economy. In 2007, the World Bank introduced the Global Logistics Performance Index (LPI). Since inception, no African country has broken into the LPI top 20, meaning expanding logistics and transport capacity is critical to the future prosperity and competiveness of the continent.
Developed in response to this fact, the theme of Africa Forum 2018 breaks down the issue into three aspects: human resource, infrastructural and fiscal. In the words of Chief Teete Owusu-Nortey, Chair of Africa Forum,
We chose the theme to suit both trends in transport and in the wider economy as a whole. It is my fervent hope that our discussions contribute greatly to the growth of the industry, and through doing so build the foundations for greater economic success across our continent.
The conference theme will be explored through key papers such as Telecommunications as a Catalyst for Efficient Logistics and Transport Services in Africa, China – Africa Partnerships in Transport Infrastructure: New Directions for Human Capital Development, and Frameworks for Financing Intra-Africa Trade. There will also be a fascinating look at logisticians’ role in the mechanics of National Elections in The Dynamics of Election Logistics: The Nigeria Experience.
In addition, there will be opportunities to share information and innovations with other professionals, engage with the Women in Logistics and Transport and Young Professionals presentations, guided tours and exhibitions.
Speaking about Africa Forum, CILT International President Kevin Byrne said ‘The foundations were laid for Africa Forum to blossom in 2018, and I look forward to seeing the benefit of everyone’s hard work and co-operation this coming March in Abuja… I am certain the Forum will be yet another successful and impactful CILT event’, whilst WiLAT Global Convenor Hajia Aisha Ali-Ibrahim described it as ‘a great networking opportunity for female leaders and professionals in the industry.’
Abuja, Nigeria’s Political Capitol, is located in the centre of Africa’s most populous country. Built to represent a new era in Nigerian unity, it is the seat of the Nigerian government as well as the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the regional headquarters of OPEC.
Nicknamed ‘the Giant of Africa’, Nigeria is home to approximately 186 million people, representing 500 ethnic groups and a multiplicity of languages. In 2017, the IMF rated it as Africa’s largest economy, and it remains a key player in the future of the African continent.
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport is the leading professional body for industry specialists the world over. Founded in 1919 with a mission to improve best practice and nurture talent, the Institute has grown to encompass more than 35,000 members in 34 countries. We continue to set the industry standard in education and qualifications, and earning our reputation as the first choice membership organisation for all professionals working in the supply chain, logistics and transport industries.
