African Transport Sector to Tackle Recovery Opportunities and Challenges in Durban
African ports, rail, logistics and roads stakeholders representing 20 countries will meet in eThekwini at the 9th annual Transport Evolution Africa Forum, being hosted at Durban ICC on 29 and 30 November.
Giving both public and private transport sector authorities, an opportunity for much needed dialogue, around recovery plans and opportunities ahead, this is the first live event for the sector since COVID-19 lockdown measures were implemented in March 2020, and it could not have come at a better and important time.
According Mr Lovemore Bingandadi, Project Manager-Tripartite Transport & Transit Facilitation Program, SADC Secretariat and one of the panellists at the Forum, “The critical need to finance and develop adequate transport infrastructure and services in the continent cannot be delayed. With estimates that the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (ACFTA) could boost intra-African trade by about 33% and cut Africa’s trade deficit by 51%, the role that intra-regional connectivity will play to ensure that these Agreement goals are realized, is significant.”
He adds, “The major priorities identified in regional and PIDA master-plans are construction and rehabilitation of seaports, land-borders, railways to expand capacity and enhancing transport efficiency in all modes through ICT.”
KZN and Gauteng’s Department of Transport MECs Peggy Nkonyeni and Jacob Mamabolo are amongst some of the impressive fraternity of speakers who will share their outlook on the impact that the transport sectors will and opportunities that the transport sectors and the impact on Africa.
Other speaker highlights include Ms Eunice Ajambo, Economist & Development Coordination Officer, United Nations and H.E. Ashraf Salman, Former Minister of Investment & current Chairman & CEO, AUR Capital.
“We look forward to welcoming 300+ delegates over the next two days, as we unpack the extraordinary demands and positive partnership opportunities that has arisen over the past twenty months. Our commitment is to deliver exceptional in-person events that supports economic growth and recovery in a safe and secure environment,” says Le-Ann Hare of dmg events, the host and event organiser.
Excellence will be awarded at the Women in Transport Awards on 30 November – this much-needed platform recognises, rewards and celebrates the successful women who are transforming the transport sector.
The 9th annual forum will host over 100 organisations including Department of Transport, Transnet National Ports Authority, Ethiopian Railways Corporation, Namibian Ports Authority, Transnamib, Rail Safety Regulator and Seychelles Port Authority.
Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA) is also a supporting partner to the event and will be participating in the proceedings on 30 November.
The event is sponsored by eThekwini Municipality, SANRAL, Cross Border Road Transport Agency, Gautrain Management Agency, Afreximbank, Gijima and ECIC.
The forum is being organized by DMG events an Associate Member of PMAESA.
Source and Photo : PMAESA