DRAFT PROGRAMME:
CONFERENCE DAY 1
Tuesday, 4 March 2025
Theme: Supercharging Regional Connectivity: Driving Intermodal Transport and Logistics Growth in Africa
09:00 Plenary and Keynote
09:20 Global Trade Dynamics: The impact of transport infrastructure on global and regional trade patterns
09:40 Panel discussion: Enhancing Regional Connectivity for Efficient Movement of Goods
• The foundation of trade efficiency; how transport modes facilitate the movement of goods
• How enhanced infrastructure reduces costs and improves trade competitiveness
11:00 Opening of Exhibition and networking lunch
12:30 Think Tank - Emerging Markets: Identifying key regions where transport infrastructure growth can unlock significant trade potential.
• Corridor updates – case studies
• Corridor challenges
• New corridor development opportunities
14:00 Think Tank- International Integration: Linking African Markets to the Global Supply Chain.
Think tank discussion
•Cross-Border Connectivity: The importance of regional transport corridors, transnational highways, and regional railway networks in connecting markets.
•Trade Blocs and Agreements: The role of regional trade agreements in fostering infrastructure development.
• Regulatory and Political Hurdles: Addressing issues related to bureaucracy, corruption, and political instability that hinder infrastructure projects.
• Policies and incentives: Aimed at promoting sustainable logistics (e.g., tax breaks, green certifications).
15:30 Networking Break
16:30 Panel discussion: Key Enablers of International Trade
•Port Infrastructure: Meeting the demands of growing trade
•Aviation Hubs: Connecting Africa to the rest of the world
•Rail infrastructure: Harmonising ports and road connectivity
CONFERENCE DAY 2 - Theme: Financing Transport Infrastructure Projects
Wednesday, 5 March 2025
08:00 Registration, early morning refreshments
09:00 Global Trends in Transport Infrastructure Investment
•Highlight investment opportunities in regions with high growth potential
•Discussion on the financial challenges of large-scale infrastructure projects and potential solutions (public-private partnerships, international funding).
09:20 Think Tank - Public vs. Private Funding
•Examine how public funding, private equity, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) are shaping the transport infrastructure landscape
•Success Stories and Case Studies: Explore successful PPPs in transport projects, focusing on railways, airports, and highways.
•PPP Risk Management: Managing financial, operational, and political risks in long-term infrastructure investments.
11:00 Networking refreshment break
11:30 Think Tank: Innovative Financing Mechanisms
•Green Bonds and Sustainable Financing: The role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in financing sustainable transport projects.
•Blended Finance: Combining public, private, and philanthropic capital to reduce risk and attract private sector investment in transport infrastructure.
13:00 Social and Economic Impact of Transport Infrastructure Investment
•Job Creation and Economic Growth: Assessing how transport investments can drive regional development, trade facilitation, and inclusive growth.
•Equity and Access in Infrastructure Projects: Ensuring that transport projects provide fair access to services and contribute to reducing inequality.
13:30 Networking Lunch
14:30 Think Tank - Regulatory and Policy Frameworks for Transport Infrastructure Investment
•Legal frameworks
•How governments allocate funds for transport projects, including taxation, bonds, and budget priorities.
16:00 Measuring and Reporting Environmental Impact in Transport and Logistics
•ESG Metrics and Reporting: How companies are measuring and reporting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts in transport and logistics.
•Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Tools and methods for assessing the environmental impact of logistics operations from production to end-of-life.
•Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Investment: Climate Change Adaptation: How transport infrastructure investment can mitigate and adapt to climate risks (e.g., extreme weather, rising sea levels).
16:45 Closing remarks
CONFERENCE DAY 2 - Theme: Green Transport and Logistics Development
Wednesday, 5 March 2025
08:00 Registration, early morning refreshments
09:00 Sustainable (Carbon footprint) green energy in transport
•Adoption of electric vehicles, renewable energy sources, and energy-efficient infrastructure in logistics operations.
•Addressing the carbon footprint of logistics activities, including transportation emissions and energy use and hydrogen updates
09:20 Think Tank - Leverage Digital solutions for Improved Logistics Efficiency
•The role of AI and Digital integration in transport and logistics
•Smart Infrastructure: Integration of digital technology in transport systems (e.g., smart ports, intelligent transport systems).
•The role of AI, blockchain, and big data in creating more transparent, efficient, and integrated logistics networks.
11:00 Networking refreshment break
11:30 Think Tank: The Role of Green Logistics in Sustainable Supply Chains
•Decarbonizing the Supply Chain: Strategies for reducing carbon emissions in freight and logistics operations.
•Green Warehousing:
Implementing energy-efficient practices, renewable energy, and waste reduction in warehousing and distribution centers.
13:00 The Role of Cold Chain in Transport and Logistics
•Green Cold Chain Solutions
•Efficient Last-Mile Solutions
13:30 Networking Lunch
14:30 Think Tank - Electric and Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles in Transport and Logistics
•Transitioning to Electric Freight Fleets: The benefits and challenges of adopting electric vehicles (EVs) in commercial and freight transport.
•Hydrogen as a Clean Fuel: Opportunities and challenges of hydrogen fuel for long-haul transport and logistics sectors.
16:00 Measuring and Reporting Environmental Impact in Transport and Logistics
•ESG Metrics and Reporting: How companies are measuring and reporting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts in transport and logistics.
•Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Tools and methods for assessing the environmental impact of logistics operations from production to end-of-life.
•Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Investment: Climate Change Adaptation: How transport infrastructure investment can mitigate and adapt to climate risks (e.g., extreme weather, rising sea levels).
16:45 Closing remarks
