Participants in the Dakhla Africa Logistics Forum, held on November 20 and 21, called for the structuring of an integrated African logistics ecosystem, capable of accelerating the economic integration of the continent and positioning Dakhla as a strategic pivot of regional transport chains.
At the end of this forum under the theme “A connected, sustainable and sovereign Africa”, they underlined the urgency of developing harmonized African logistics corridors to support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emphasizing the simplification of customs and transit procedures, as well as the strengthening of the Atlantic, Saharan and trans-African axes.
In terms of governance, participants recommended the creation of an African Logistics Council and an African Logistics Performance Observatory, in order to coordinate continental initiatives, monitor costs and deadlines, and improve cooperation between States, regions and private operators.
They also placed emphasis on digitalization, calling for the generalization of dematerialization, traceability and interoperability of port and customs systems, as well as the deployment of an African single window inspired by the Moroccan experience.
Likewise, participants called for the development of specialized logistics zones and the strengthening of road, port and multimodal links to support continental competitiveness.
The energy transition was also highlighted, with recommendations for a “Green Logistics Africa” label, the creation of low-carbon corridors and the development of Dakhla’s potential as a green hydrogen hub.
They called for strengthening training, through the creation of an African Academy of Commerce and Logistics in Dakhla, with programs dedicated to young people and executives, as well as increased academic mobility.
Finally, participants insisted on the key role of public-private partnerships and the need to harmonize standards, certifications and transport documents in order to ensure effective implementation of the AfCFTA and streamline the movement of goods across the continent.
Initiated by the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, in coordination with the Regional Council, this forum took place in the presence of an audience of transport, logistics, foreign trade and investment stakeholders.
