Burkina Faso : Opening of the 4th edition of Translog Africa

The 4th edition of the International Symposium on Transport and Logistics (Translog Africa) was inaugurated on February 27, 2024, in Ouagadougou, under the high patronage of the Head of State, Ibrahim Traoré, represented by his Chief of Staff, Anderson Medah.

Scheduled from February 27 to 29, this edition brings together many invited countries, marking the revival of this event which had not taken place since 2012.

In his opening speech read by the Minister of Transport, Roland Somda, the resilience of the Burkinabe people and stakeholders in the transport sector in the face of recent challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions in supply chains due to the Russo-Ukrainian war was emphasized by the Head of State.

The central theme of this edition, « Development of the Global Logistics Chain : Challenges and Opportunities for Shippers in the Era of the AfCFTA » highlights the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement for the transport sector.

Idrissa Nassa, President of the Burkinabe Employers’ Association and sponsor of the ceremony, emphasized that the AfCFTA represents a significant step forward in the continent’s economic integration, opening up new prospects for trade and exchanges.

The president of the organizing committee, Kassoum Traoré, announced a rich program including panels and presentations over a 72-hour period. He expressed hope that these exchanges would result in strong recommendations to address challenges, including the harmonization of customs and logistical procedures.

The main objectives of these three days of work will be to review the implementation of the recommendations from the previous edition of Translog Africa in 2012, to examine security aspects related to the transportation of goods, and to become familiar with new provisions regarding customs procedures and port clearance.

Sadia Nyaoré