In a well-attended webinar that focused on intermodal transport in Africa, industry leaders convened to dissect the profound impact of global trade instability on the continent's economic landscape. Organised in partnership with Transport Evolution Africa Forum & Expo under the banner of addressing critical challenges and unlocking potential opportunities, the session underscored the urgent need for robust infrastructure investments and seamless intermodal transport systems across Africa.

Facilitator Joshua Low, dmg events South Africa VP, set the stage by highlighting the escalating uncertainties in global trade dynamics, exacerbated by tariff wars and geopolitical tensions. “These factors,” he stressed, “have not only disrupted established supply chains but have also underscored the vital role of proactive measures in safeguarding Africa's trade interests.”

Panelists echoed these sentiments, with DCP Group national commercial manager Nikita Reddy emphasising the adverse effects of trade wars and political risks on African exports. She underscored the imperative for innovative logistics solutions and collaborative frameworks to mitigate these challenges.

Driving Intercontinental Trade

Non-governmental organisation NEPAD Business Foundation CEO Peter Varndell advocated for enhanced collaboration among African governments, transport service providers and customs authorities. His remarks underscored the pivotal role of infrastructure development, particularly in rail and road networks, in catalysing intra-African trade. He highlighted successes within the East African Community (EAC) as a model for regional cooperation.

Global trade consultancy and advisory Global Trade Solution founder and CEO Louise Wiggett echoed the call for reducing dependence on external markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. She emphasised leveraging this agreement to streamline trade processes and reduce trade barriers across the continent.

Identifying barriers such as inefficient customs procedures, corruption and inadequate infrastructure, panelists stressed the urgency of digitalisation and market intelligence. Reddy also highlighted the transformative potential of digital solutions in enhancing trade visibility and efficiency, which were critical for Africa's economic integration.

Wiggett underlined the role of smart logistics and digital solutions in reducing bottlenecks and improving operational efficiency. She called for collaboration among stakeholders to adopt best practices and innovation in transport logistics.

The discussion also focused on the need to prioritise investment, with Wiggett advocating for multi-modal transport corridor development to optimise transport costs. Varndell, meanwhile, emphasised the strategic importance of rail infrastructure and the role of private-sector involvement in corridor management.

Highlighting success stories from the EAC, Varndell emphasised the importance of collaborative governance structures and informed policy-making, while Wiggett urged businesses to capitalise on existing trade agreements and swiftly address emerging trade barriers.

The panelists all reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration and knowledge sharing to propel Africa's transport and logistics sectors forward. Reddy and Wiggett echoed the sentiment, urging stakeholders to participate actively in forums such as Transport Evolution Africa to drive actionable insights and innovations.

The discussion not only illuminated the challenges but also highlighted the path towards a more integrated and resilient African transport landscape to uplift Africa’s 2% to 3% share in global GDP.