17 - 19 June 2025

Gallagher Convention Centre,
Johannesburg, South Africa

CONFERENCE

Discover the latest trends, technologies, and strategies that are transforming the African landscape.

DRAFT PROGRAMME:


CONFERENCE DAY 1

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Theme: Supercharging Regional Connectivity: Driving Intermodal Transport and Logistics Growth in Africa


 

08:00   Registration, early morning refreshments

09:00   Plenary and Keynote

09:20   Global Trade Dynamics: The impact of transport infrastructure on global and regional  trade patterns

09:40   Global Trade Dynamics: The impact of transport infrastructure on global and regional trade patterns.

            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

•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

 

DRAFT PROGRAMME:


CONFERENCE DAY 2 

Thursday, 19 June 2025

Theme: Financing Transport Infrastructure Projects


 

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.

Session sponsor:

zutari


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 

Thursday, 19 June 2025

Theme: Green Transport and Logistics Development


 

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.
•Security concerns when adopting emerging technologies


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 - 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


 

EXPLORE THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION

Over the course of three days, you will have the opportunity to delve into cutting-edge innovations, gain valuable insights, and engage in dynamic discussions with industry leaders, experts and visionaries.

The meticulously curated Conference Programme will cover the following key themes:

Digital Transformation

Finance

Logistics

Rail

Port

Maritime

Smart Mobility

Sustainability

Technology

Road