In a recent panel at the Southern African Industrialisation Forum (SAIF), panellists shed light on critical areas of focus including railway and road infrastructure, port efficiency, digitisation, and overcoming logistical challenges, to bolster regional integration and economic growth in Southern Africa. These are some of the highlights:
Railway and Road Infrastructure:
Railway and road networks serve as vital arteries for transporting goods across vast distances, with a projected increase in transportation demand. Significant investments are needed to upgrade and expand these networks to meet growing demands, highlighting the need for collaboration between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and relevant financial institutions. Partnerships and innovative financing models, such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), are essential to overcoming transportation hurdles and stimulating economic growth.
Port Efficiency and Digitisation:
Efficient port operations are crucial for facilitating trade and reducing bottlenecks in supply chains. Enhancing port capacity and efficiency, along with digitisation initiatives such as digital borders and efficient transit procedures, are essential for streamlining cross-border trade processes. Organisations like the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) are actively involved in providing financial support and expertise for infrastructure development, promoting efficient border infrastructure through initiatives like the Border Markets Infrastructure project.
Promoting Industrialisation and Value Addition:
Infrastructure development aims to promote industrialisation and value addition within the region, with countries like Zambia and the DRC establishing industrial parks and special economic zones along transportation corridors. Initiatives focused on agri-processing and battery production underscore the importance of integrating infrastructure development with industrialisation strategies.
Addressing Trust and Information Sharing Challenges:
Trust issues among stakeholders act as barriers to effective information sharing and synergy, hindering collaborative efforts and resulting in information silos. Governments must prioritise interconnectivity initiatives and foster trust among stakeholders to ensure the seamless flow of information. Private sector involvement is crucial for addressing day-to-day logistical challenges and ensuring the practical implementation of digital solutions. By fostering greater collaboration between the public and private sectors, stakeholders can overcome trust barriers and drive meaningful progress in digitisation efforts.
Participants emphasised sustained commitment and collaboration to overcome challenges hindering digitisation for trade facilitation in Africa. Addressing day-to-day logistical issues alongside long-term digitization goals requires trust, political will, and private-sector engagement. As discussions continue and initiatives are implemented, stakeholders remain committed to building a more interconnected and digitally integrated trading environment in Africa.
Speakers included Peter Varndell, Desiderio Fernandes, Kafuta Mulemba, and Gainmore Zanamwe.
For more, read the five-part article here:
🔗 https://coldlinkafrica.co.za/improving-trade-corridors-in-southern-africa-an-aid-to-the-cold-chain-part-1/
About the Southern African Industrialisation Forum (SAIF)
The Southern African Industrialisation Forum (SAIF) is a flagship event of the SADC Business Council. It brings together key stakeholders – government leaders, policymakers, industry executives, investors, and development partners – to shape regional investment priorities and industrialisation strategies. With a focus on specific countries and high-potential sectors, SAIF aims to facilitate collaborations, unlock investment opportunities, and drive sustainable development within the SADC region.
