Transport Logistics Expert, Funmilayo Omowunmi Loremikan's Presentation At The 2026 CILT Conference In Malawi

 

 The 19th edition of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Africa Forum was held from 22nd to 24th of April 2026 in Salima, Malawi, under the theme Advancing Sustainable and Inclusive Transport and Logistics for Africa’s Future. The Forum brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics and professionals from across Africa and beyond to discuss the critical issues shaping the transport and logistics sector.

 

For CILT International, the Forum reflected the importance of strengthening professional standards, supporting collaboration and encouraging sustainable growth across the movement of goods and people. It also demonstrated the value of regional dialogue in helping turn shared challenges into practical action.

 

Mrs Loremikan is a Certified Professional Coach. She has guided young professionals in maritime, logistics, transport, and supply chain management, helping them find direction, clarity, and confidence. She is the  CEO of Floremglobal Consulting & Logistics Services Limited.

 

In a chat with City People Titi Akinbo Oshunlalu, Funmilayo Omowunmi Loremikan shared her presentation at the Wilat Regional Conference.

 

Sustainable and inclusive logistics and transport are not only about infrastructure, technology, and systems. They are also about people, representation, opportunities, and creating a future where women are actively involved in leadership, policy formulation, decision-making, and industry transformation. 

"During my presentation at the WiLAT Regional Conference, I emphasised that Africa cannot truly achieve sustainable growth in logistics and transport if women remain underrepresented in strategic positions. Across the continent, many women are educated, highly intelligent, skilled, and innovative, yet they often struggle with visibility, access, and opportunities. The challenge is not always competence; in many cases, it is positioning and inclusion".

 

I encouraged participants to intentionally embrace professional networking and relationship-building as critical tools for career advancement and business growth. I reminded the audience that conferences and professional gatherings are not merely social events, but platforms for learning, collaboration, mentorship, partnerships, and opportunity creation.

 

I advised attendees to leave the conference with at least five meaningful professional connections because strategic relationships can open doors to mentorship, leadership opportunities, boardroom access, collaborations, and global exposure. No one is invited into leadership spaces on a platter of gold; professionals must intentionally position themselves through visibility, competence, consistency, and networking.

 

A major focus of my presentation was the urgent need for capacity building and inclusion. Women in logistics and transport should be given equal opportunities to thrive through:

 

▪️Leadership development.

▪️Professional networking.

▪️Access to funding and loans.

▪️Skills acquisition and training.

▪️Mentorship and sponsorship.

▪️Participation in policy-making and decision-making processes

 

I also stressed the importance of collaboration among women. Rather than competing against one another, women should build supportive ecosystems that encourage collective growth, knowledge sharing, and empowerment.

 

Sustainable and Inclusive logistics matter because logistics remain the backbone of trade, industrialisation, entrepreneurship, economic integration, and national development.

 

Strong logistics systems enhance business growth, improve efficiency, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and create faster and more effective structures for economic activities.

 

Logistics is present in every aspect of our daily lives. It requires planning, strategy, coordination, intelligence, and innovation. Where logistics systems are weak, businesses face delays, limited opportunities, reduced productivity, and restricted economic growth.

 

However, when logistics systems are efficient, sustainable, and inclusive, they create exposure, profitability, independence, and long-term economic empowerment.

 

"I further highlighted the impact of logistics on women entrepreneurs, noting that inclusive logistics creates equal access to opportunities, markets, economic participation, and leadership. As businesses grow through effective logistics systems, they naturally create stronger networks, new partnerships, knowledge exchange, and sustainable economic development."

 

Women must therefore be empowered with the right tools, technology, training, and support systems to become innovative leaders within the logistics and transport industry.

 

Africa’s future growth and competitiveness depend heavily on efficient, sustainable, and inclusive logistics systems where women are not sidelined, but fully empowered to thrive and lead.

 

"Sharing a personal perspective during the conference, I explained that while preparing for retirement after over three decades of professional experience in the maritime and logistics industry, I intentionally positioned myself for the next phase of my life by establishing Floremglobal Consulting and Logistics Services Limited. Today, I find fulfillment in consulting, coaching, mentoring, and helping professionals navigate career growth, visibility, leadership positioning, and retirement transition successfully."

 

As part of my commitment to empowerment and professional development, I also announced free career development and transition coaching sessions available until June for professionals seeking guidance in career growth, visibility, leadership positioning, and retirement planning.

 

In closing, I reaffirmed that the future of Africa depends on sustainable systems, inclusive leadership, strategic partnerships, and empowered women who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the growth of logistics, transport, trade, and economic development across the continent.