The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT ), a global professional body representing the transport and logistics sector, has elected Rwanda’s Patrick Mugabo as its International Vice President and Chairman of the Africa Forum.
He was elected on April 26 following a member vote in which candidates presented their plans and vision for the institution.
The development strengthens Africa’s voice within global discussions on the future of transport, logistics, and supply chain management—sectors that play a critical role in economic growth, trade facilitation, and regional integration.
CILT operates worldwide as a professional institution that promotes excellence, professional standards, and innovation in logistics and transport. Through its global network, the organisation brings together practitioners, policymakers, and industry leaders to address emerging challenges and shape the future of the sector.
Mugabo, who holds a PhD in supply chain management, has been serving as President of CILT Rwanda and has long been involved in advancing the profession on the continent.
Speaking to The New Times, he said the election represents an opportunity for Africa to contribute more actively to global solutions in the logistics and transport sector.
"This is an opportunity for the continent to strengthen its voice and bring forward the realities and challenges of logistics in Africa,” he said. "It allows us to contribute to global discussions while ensuring that African perspectives are reflected in the solutions being developed.”
Strengthening Africa’s role in global logistics
As Chairman of the Africa Forum, Mugabo will help coordinate the continent’s collective voice within CILT, working with professionals across Africa to address common challenges and promote collaboration.
The role also places Africa more prominently within CILT’s global leadership structure, where discussions focus on improving efficiency in supply chains, advancing professional standards, and supporting economic development through better transport and logistics systems.
The institution described the appointment as a reflection of growing confidence in African leadership within international professional organisations.
Technology and young professionals in focus
Among the priorities highlighted in Mugabo’s agenda during the election was the need to accelerate technology adoption within the logistics sector across Africa and create stronger platforms for young professionals in the industry.
"Our sector still has significant opportunities to improve efficiency through technology,” Mugabo said. "Digital tools and innovations, including artificial intelligence, can transform how logistics systems operate and make supply chains more responsive and reliable.”
He noted that empowering young professionals was also a central theme of his agenda.
"Young professionals bring fresh perspectives and new ideas. Creating platforms where they can contribute to the development of the sector will be essential for its long-term growth,” he said.
These priorities—technology adoption and youth inclusion—resonated strongly with members across the continent and formed an important part of the vision presented during the election.
Modernising the logistics profession
Across Africa, logistics remains a critical enabler of trade, industrialisation, and regional connectivity. However, many companies in the sector continue to operate using traditional management approaches and limited technological systems.
Industry leaders say that professionalisation and digital transformation will be key to improving efficiency, lowering the cost of doing business, and strengthening Africa’s competitiveness in global trade.
Institutions such as CILT play an important role in supporting this transformation by providing professional training, setting industry standards, and creating platforms for knowledge exchange among practitioners.
Mugabo said strengthening the profession and encouraging companies to adopt modern practices will remain central to the work of CILT Africa.
Leadership transition in CILT Rwanda
Following his election to the international role, Mugabo confirmed that he will step down as President of CILT Rwanda due to his expanded responsibilities, while continuing to support the institution as Board Chair.
"We have capable professionals within the institution who can continue building on the work that has been done,” he said.
A new president for CILT Rwanda is expected to be announced soon.
A milestone for Africa’s logistics community
Mugabo’s election marks a notable moment for Africa’s logistics and transport community, as the continent seeks stronger representation in global industry discussions while working to modernise its supply chains.
With logistics increasingly recognised as a driver of economic development, institutions like CILT are expected to play an important role in supporting professional growth, innovation, and collaboration across the sector.