Africa’s logistics and supply chain sectors are set to receive a powerful boost as key stakeholders prepare to gather at the inaugural Forwarding and Clearing Skills Summit, an event expected to shape the future of skills development across the continent.
Hosted by South Africa’s Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA), the summit will take place on June 4–5 at the Emperors Palace Convention Centre in Johannesburg. It is positioned as a pivotal platform for addressing critical skills gaps in the freight forwarding and clearing industry — not only for South Africa but for Africa as a whole.
Pan-African Relevance
With Africa’s logistics corridors becoming increasingly vital under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the summit comes at a time when strengthening intra-African trade is more urgent than ever. The event is expected to provide solutions that can be adopted across multiple African countries facing similar challenges in transport logistics, customs clearing, and freight forwarding.
Among the distinguished attendees will be:
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Dr. Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education
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Barbara Creecy, Minister of Transport
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Wamkele Keabetswe Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA
They will join forces with other regional and international experts to drive dialogue around critical development themes that affect logistics across Africa.
Key Themes to Shape Africa’s Trade Future
Discussions will address pressing issues that affect the entire continent’s logistics framework, including:
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Future-ready skills in freight forwarding and clearing — especially in express parcel services, shipping, and customs operations.
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Inclusive growth strategies for women, youth, SMMEs, and persons with disabilities in the freight sector.
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Sustainable financing of skills development to support intra-African trade.
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Building a greener, more inclusive economy through a just energy transition and green logistics training.
More Than a Summit — A Continental Call to Action
TETA has emphasized that the event is more than a local engagement — it’s a call for Pan-African collaboration in logistics skills development. The summit will feature exhibitions, knowledge-sharing platforms, and strategic networking sessions that foster regional partnerships.
Why It Matters for Africa
As Africa’s most industrialized economy, South Africa’s logistics sector is a backbone for continental trade. Strengthening its systems and human capital can help support broader African integration. The summit is expected to reinforce South Africa’s role as a logistics hub, while sharing applicable solutions with neighboring nations and trade corridors.
Stakeholders from freight forwarding companies, logistics firms, import/export businesses, training institutions, and government agencies from across Africa are encouraged to attend.
Participants will not only benefit from insights into upcoming policies and skills needs but also contribute to TETA’s Skills Master Plan for the freight and clearing industry — a document that could inform broader regional frameworks.
Registration and Agenda
Industry professionals are urged to register early, as spaces are limited. Details of the full agenda and registration process can be found on the official TETA Summit website.
