With Cleaner Energy, Africa Can Unlock Significant Economic Opportunities – CILT

The International Vice President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Ibrahim Jibril, on Wednesday, said by transiting to a cleaner and more efficient transport system, Africa can unlock significant economic opportunities while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Jibrin, who disclosed this during his opening remarks at the ongoing 2025 Africa Forum and Conference at the Africa forum and conference in Kigali, Rwanda, said there is great innovation potential, such as the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy-powered public transport to the development of smart logistics networks and green supply chains.

According to Jibrin, With Africa’s rapidly growing population, expanding urbanization, and increasing trade activities, the demand for efficient logistics and transport systems in Africa is on the increase.
The growth, he said, must recognise the need to reduce carbon emissions, protect natural resources and build solid structures to resist climate change.

“With its rapidly growing population, expanding urbanization, and increasing trade activities, the demand for efficient logistics and transport systems in Africa is on the increase. This growth, however, must recognize the need to reduce carbon emissions, protect natural resources and build solid structures to resist climate change.

“Africa is a continent on the move. Our cities are growing, trade is booming, and with that comes the challenge of reducing emissions while keeping economies running. It’s like trying to change the wheels on a speeding bus… but luckily, this conference is full of experts who know how to do it safely.

“Sustainable logistics and green transport are essential pillars for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).”

Jubril who is also the Chairman of Africa Forum at the conference, stated further that sustainable logistics and green transport are not about only reducing emissions but creating a more equitable, prosperous, and resilient Africa

“We must remember that sustainable logistics and green transport are not just about reducing emissions, they are about creating a more equitable, prosperous, and resilient Africa. Together, we can build a future where economic growth and environmental management are conjointly handled.

“The future of transport in Africa shouldn’t just be about getting from Point A to Point B, it should be about ensuring Point B still exists in 100 years,” Jubril stated.