The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), global body of professionals in the logistics and supply value chain, has called for enhanced cooperation with various AfCFTA stakeholders – especially the Secretariat and industry players – to facilitate realising the broader goal of integrating the continent through trade.
In an exclusive interview with Single African Market, its global president, Chief Teete Owusu-Nortey, indicated the need for win-win collaboration.
“Industry needs supply chain logistics and transport in terms of getting products and goods to warehouses, or even in the production process which is connected by the supply cycle.
“This makes us a very vital institution that the AfCFTA needs in its quest to achieve the aim of building an integrated trading platform for the continent,” he said.
He added: “It’s a win-win thing for both CILT and the AfCFTA Secretariat, so we need to find a middle way whereby the two bodies can cooperate effectively to drive the continental market.”
According to Chief Owusu-Nortey, CILT has a strong focus on Africa with presence in about 25 African countries currently, and is well-networked with members who are professionals in the key sectors of supply chain, logistics and transport.
“As a training body, what we bring to the AfCFTA is ability to build the right capacities and expertise. We need people with the brainpower to educate, manage or regulate this whole borderless system of trading on the continent,” he further stated.
To him, there has been more branding about the AfCFTA than stakeholders’ awareness regarding the agreement’s core mandate, and how it links up with critical players such as the logistics and transport industry.
“AfCFTA is very ambitious but achievable, it has the brand equity; but there’s a need for more exposure in terms of its core mandate,” he said.
“We all need to recalibrate the strategy with enhanced consultations, especially with the logistics and supply fraternity,” he added.
