At the recent African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) meeting in Kigali, Mr. Daniel McKorley, the Group Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, advocated for innovative solutions to reduce logistics costs and enhance intra-African trade. Emphasizing the significance of logistical support, Mr. McKorley argued that a major transformation in intra-African trade requires systematic strategies that ease the movement of goods across the continent. During a plenary discussion held on October 11, 2024, which was monitored by Nyansa TV, he outlined the critical relationship between logistics advancements and trade enhancement, suggesting that lowering expenses in the cargo sector is vital for boosting commerce among African nations.
Mr. McKorley highlighted the absurdity of current trade routes that require goods to traverse indirect paths; for example, cargo from Ghana to Senegal often goes through Belgium before returning to its destination. This convoluted process not only raises costs but also hampers business growth within Africa, which Mr. McKorley described as a pressing issue that begs immediate attention. To directly tackle these challenges, he announced the upcoming launch of the Black Star Line and the Black Shipping Company, along with plans to procure two cargo planes and a vessel. He asserted that controlling logistics routes fundamentally empowers businesses and is vital for facilitating intra-African trade.
For the AfCFTA to succeed, Mr. McKorley emphasized that African governments and businesses must come together to find effective logistical solutions. He proposed building warehouses throughout the continent, which would streamline the movement of goods while ensuring that costs remain manageable. By enhancing the infrastructural framework, businesses would be better positioned to navigate the complexities of regional trade, thereby promoting economic growth and productivity. His call to “think globally and act locally,” encapsulated his vision for a more integrated and efficient trading environment across African nations.
The discussions at the AfCFTA Business Forum—dubbed “Biashara Afrika 2024 (#BA2024)”—brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including public sector representatives, private companies, and key industry players. Moderated by journalist Mr. Godfred Mutziwa, the plenary featured insightful contributions from individuals across various sectors. Participating speakers, including Dr. Paul Adalikwu, Mr. Felix Chege, Ms. Nevine Nakhla, and others, examined the challenges linked with establishing regional supply chains and value chains essential for maximizing intra-African trade.
As part of this year’s thematic focus, “Dare to Invent the Future of the AfCFTA,” the forum encouraged robust dialogue surrounding the pressing issues of trade facilitation in Africa. Attendees engaged in discussions about the shared vision of building responsive supply chain networks that can unlock Africa’s trade potential. The aim is to foster collaborations that embrace collective strategic partnerships, enabling stakeholders to capitalize on the continent’s wealth of resources, manpower, and market opportunities.
The AfCFTA meeting, held from October 9 to 11, 2024, under the auspices of Rwandan President H. E. Paul Kagame, sought to create a dynamic platform for interaction among the various sectors involved in intra-African commerce. By addressing inherent obstacles and pursuing innovative solutions, leaders like Mr. McKorley are working towards a future where trade within Africa is more efficient, cost-effective, and beneficial for all partners involved. Through these initiatives, the promise of a more interconnected and prosperous African economy continues to unfold, highlighting the critical role strategic partnerships play in achieving these shared goals.
