CILTSA Air Cargo Conference highlights opportunities on the continent

Jan 30, 2023 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport: South Africa, CILTSA, Air Cargo Conference, Elvin Harris CMILT,

CILTSA Air Cargo Conference highlights opportunities on the continent 

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. 

According to global industry body the IATA, 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 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 transport sector is set to benefit significantly from AfCFTA,” says Elvin Harris CMILT, President of the CILTSA. “The aim of the CILTSA Air Cargo conference is to explore the opportunities that it brings to the air cargo industry.” 

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 

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 http://www.cvlc.co.za/registration 

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• Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport: South Africa, CILTSA, Air Cargo Conference, Elvin Harris CMILT,