Pretoria – South Africa will host the Air Cargo Africa 2015 Biennial International Conference and Exhibition next week.
The conference, which will take place at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg from 25 - 27 February, is an opportunity for the continent to showcase its air cargo industry prowess to the world.
The industry is billed as playing a significant role in the economic progress of many nations, which has led to various countries and cities using airports as engines for economic growth.
The conference is a key networking platform for leaders in the air cargo industry to assess the growing prospects of the African market.
The Air Cargo Africa event, which is entering into its third edition, has this year received a boost in support from the global cargo community. This raises the profile of the conference as a significant event that adds value to the global trade balance, thereby fostering the economic prosperity of African nations.
In its past two editions held in Nairobi and Johannesburg, the show has seen major participation from airlines and airports, particularly from Africa.
The theme of the conference is “Air Cargo – Africa’s path to sustainable growth”.
A rising industry
Air freight traffic in Africa is presently growing at an average of over 6%, while the global average is 5.8%. In terms of growth statistics, Africa is now positioned behind only the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
Growth in the air freight industry has also shown a positive impact on the economic front, with 28 out of 52 countries in Africa showing an average 5% annual growth, which is likely to increase.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Mondli Gungubele will open this year’s exhibition on 25 February.
Mayor Gungubele said the conference is more than just an event for Ekurhuleni -- it is an expression of the image of Ekurhuleni as an airport city with a high developmental agenda that is set to turn the tide of poverty and underdevelopment for the majority of our people.
“Indeed, the development will translate into a node that will redefine the future of aviation in Africa. The future of Ekurhuleni as a major player in the economic growth of the Gauteng City Region and the country looks extremely bright,” said the Mayor.
He said government has plans to broaden its avenues of economic growth.
“We are determined to do more and have put in place plans to achieve this. However, as government we can only do so much, hence the need for business and other stakeholders to come on board.”
The event organiser, STAT Times, will on 26 February honour those who have achieved excellence in various sectors of the air cargo industry with the STAT Times International Award for Excellence in Air Cargo.
The awards will be presented in 11 categories at its gala award night function at the Barnyard Theatre in Rivonia. – SAnews.gov.za
