Transnet Ports’ Chief Executive to Give Keynote at Cool Logistics Africa

Tau Morwe, Chief Executive of Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), has been confirmed as a keynote speaker at the 3rd Cool Logistics Africa conference, taking place in Cape Town, South Africa on 4-6 March 2014.

As one of the five divisions of Transnet Ltd, South Africa’s national transport operator, TNPA is responsible for managing infrastructure capacity and marine services at the eight major commercial ports along the country’s 2954km coastline, and for promoting South African ports as a gateway for trade from Africa’s eastern and western seaboards.

In his keynote speech on 4 March, Mr. Morwe will discuss the role of transport infrastructure in facilitating Africa’s perishables trade. He will be joined in the opening session by John Purchase, CEO of the Agricultural Business Chamber, an association of agribusinesses across the board, focusing on competitivenesss and trade in southern Africa, who will discuss food supply trends and Africa’s role in the global economy.

Africa’s potential for growth is enormous. It has abundant land, labour, water and favourable climatic zones to develop its agricultural output, and is already home to some of the fastest-growing economies and populations in the world. However, the continent’s share in the global market for agricultural products is still severely hampered, by a lack of infrastructure, skilled labour and burdensome bureaucracy. Tackling these logistics infrastructure and skills deficits, plus soft trade and policy barriers, could open up large new trade opportunities both inside and outside the continent, as well as enhancing the returns on existing trade.

Under the theme “integrating global and regional perishable supply chains”, the pan-African conference will bring together regional and international members of the perishable supply chain to discuss the challenges and their solutions. Key topics under debate during the 3-day event will include how exporters and importers can capitalise on the growth opportunities of Africa perishables trade; the outlook for maritime and air transport; port and hinterland cold chain infrastructure; and how to bridge the gap between agriculture and logistics.

“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Morwe to discuss critical role of port infrastructure and services in facilitating Africa’s export, import and regional perishables trades” said Alexander von Stempel, Managing Director of Cool Logistics Resources. Other major perishable shippers and logistics chain members confirmed to address the forum include Capespan, Dole, Jittu Horticulture, PPECB, International Finance Corporation, CMA CGM, MOL, Walvis Bay Corridor, Dube Trade Port, Astral Aviation, and Stellenbosch University.

Returning to Cape Town for the 3rd year, Cool Logistics Africa 2014 includes a 2-day business conference and 1-day practical workshop on technical and operations issues.

[mappress]

Press Release, December 13, 2013