Africa losing billions annually over poor logistics, connectivity — CILT

Business, Technology

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria has warned that Africa is losing billions of dollars annually due to poor connectivity, weak transport infrastructure and inefficient logistics systems across the continent.

The National President of the institute, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, disclosed this on Thursday during the 2026 CILT Annual Lecture Series held in Abuja.

Oyeyemi said inadequate road networks, underdeveloped rail systems, congested ports and limited innovation infrastructure continue to slow trade, discourage investment and hinder economic growth across Africa.

According to him, despite Africa’s enormous natural resources, growing population, agricultural strength and entrepreneurial potential, poor connectivity remains a major obstacle to development.

“The roads that should connect farmers to markets are inadequate. The railways that should move cargo across national borders are underbuilt or completely non-existent.

“The ports that should serve as gateways to the continent are too expensive and congested, while innovation networks that should connect African cities remain too limited and costly,” he said.

He further lamented that the continent’s logistics systems remain fragmented, underdeveloped and inefficient, making the movement of goods and people difficult and expensive.

Oyeyemi warned that the connectivity deficit is costing Africa billions of dollars yearly in lost trade, investment opportunities, productivity and human potential.

He called for stronger collaboration among African governments, institutions and stakeholders to improve transport infrastructure and unlock greater continental trade opportunities.

Delivering a lecture at the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said no continent could achieve true economic integration while remaining physically disconnected.

Represented by the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, the minister described aviation as a critical economic infrastructure for Africa due to the continent’s vast geographical size and transport limitations.

According to Keyamo, aviation remains essential because roads and rail systems alone cannot effectively connect many parts of Africa.

He stressed the need for African countries to prioritise integrated transport infrastructure, policy harmonisation and strategic partnerships to address barriers limiting connectivity.

“When connectivity improves, investment flows. When investment grows, jobs are created, poverty declines and prosperity expands,” he said.

The minister urged African nations to transform the Single African Air Transport Market into a practical reality through more flight routes, affordable tickets, modern fleets, efficient airports and stronger regional cooperation.

“Let us make the African sky a true space of opportunity — open, safe, connected, sustainable and prosperous for all,” he added.

Keyamo also emphasised that Africa must collectively harmonise legal standards and improve judicial efficiency to build a competitive continental aviation market capable of attracting global investment.

Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, Prof Umar Katsayal, said research, innovation and manpower development remain critical to advancing Africa’s transport sector.

He urged governments and institutions to invest in technology-driven transport solutions and human capacity development to achieve sustainable growth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the annual lecture included awards presented to distinguished guests for their contributions to the institute and the transportation sector.