Transport reform, regional trade, safer freight corridors and workforce development will take centre stage at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport(CILT) Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe Regional Conference at Automechanika Johannesburg on 28 and 29 October 2026.
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, the conference will explore the theme “Driving Innovation: Bridging Borders for an African Future”.Its programme brings together perspectives from government, industry, professional bodies and education to examine the transport, logistics and supply chain challenges shaping regional connectivity.
With Tiro Rapoo of NEXT Gen - an interest group of CILT - as programme director, the discussions will focus on how infrastructure, regulation, technologyand skills can support a more connected African transport landscape, with an emphasis on practical regional challenges. Four panels will address transport corridors, cross-border harmonisation, safety and security, and education and training.
“By focusing on critical corridors, standardisation, safety, and future-ready skills, the programme is structured to deliver actionable solutions that helpmove goods and people across our borders more efficiently and securely,” says Elvin Harris, President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA).
Connecting corridors and aligning systems
Lwazi Mboyi, CEO of the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA), will address enabling cross-border road transport in Africa. Aneeqah Meyer, Managerat Ernst & Young Advisory Services, will examine economic integration, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the future of African trade.
The transport corridors panel will feature Crynos Mutendera, Senior Research Specialist at C-BRTA and Lebo Letsoalo, founder of the African Women in SupplyChain Association (AWISCA) and Sincpoint. Discussions will cover strategic road and rail corridors, reducing border delays and non-tariff barriers, and lessons from one-stop border posts. Infrastructure financing, the contribution of dry ports and inland terminals,and links between corridor development and regional industrialisation will also feature.
The harmonisation panel will include Jonathan McDonald, Vice Chairman of the SA Freight and Logistics Association (SAFLA), and Prisca Mayumbelo CMILT, Chairpersonof CILT Namibia and a transport and urban mobility specialist. Topics include vehicle standards, customs documentation, trade facilitation systems and mutual recognition of licences, permits and professional qualifications.
“By uniting Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe at Automechanika Johannesburg, we are turning policy aspirations into operational realities that will acceleratetrade efficiency along our shared economic corridors,” states Mayumbelo.
Safer operations and a future-ready workforce
Day two will bring a regional perspective from Dr Tapiwa Mujakachi, President of CILT Zimbabwe, followed by a keynote on generative engine optimisation fromFrancois Vorster, Chief Disruptor at IMS.
Dr Mujakachi emphasises the collective purpose driving regional collaboration. “This three-way partnership demonstrates that our logistical challenges andeconomic destinies are deeply interconnected. Bringing our institutions and practitioners together allows us to co-create practical solutions that lower the cost of doing business and build corridor resilience for our shared future.”
The safety and security panel will include Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association (RFA) and Gerhard van Zyl, Group Operations Director at ProfessionalRisk and Asset Management.
The education, training and skills panel will feature Maphefo Ano Frempong, CEO of the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA); Anton Fiets, Executive:Industry Development at the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC); Professor Chengedzai Mafini, Executive Dean at Vaal University of Technology; Ronald Mlalazi, CEO of Commerce Edge; and Sandile Khoza, CEO of COSA Holdings and CILTSA Council member.
Formal sessions will be followed by lunch and dedicated opportunities to visit the Automechanika exhibition and network with exhibitors.
For more information about the conference or to register, visit: https://www.ciltsa.events/cilt-conference-at-automechanika-johannesburg/