Bank of Kigali CEO Dr. Diane Karusisi and logistics, transport and business leaders, have called for unified trade regulations, stronger institutions, and better coordinated infrastructure across Africa to unlock private sector investment in regional trade corridors.

They were speaking during a panel discussion themed "Blue corridors: unlocking Africa's hidden logistics advantage" at the Africa CEO Forum 2026 on May 14, an event that Bank of Kigali proudly sponsored as part of its commitment to advancing Africa's economic integration and regional trade.

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Karusisi said African countries must work together and clearly define common regional priorities if transport corridors are to succeed, highlighting the need to back critical infrastructure.

"We need to improve efficiency and reduce transit times for cargo coming from the port. At the same time, we have a role to play at the regional level in supporting infrastructure such as ports, waterways, roads and rail, because we benefit from it,” she said.

"As banks, we thrive on trade, so we also need to support the development of this critical infrastructure.”

Underscoring the importance of maritime transport, she said regional cooperation essential in creating "a common corridor for Africa” as water bodies, including, rivers are shared by many countries.

Karusisi also highlighted Rwanda’s efforts to improve trade efficiency despite being landlocked, saying the country focused on reducing logistics friction through digitisation and coordinated border systems.

"We have built one-stop border posts at every border in the country where you have customs, you have the bank, you have standards, you have everyone working together to make sure we reduce the frictions,” she said.

According to Karusisi, Rwanda reduced cargo transit time from 14 days to three days through trade digitisation and logistics reforms.

"I think it’s a proof that geography is not destiny. You can still do things and make sure you reduce the friction for your business people who are trying to import and export.”

She said Rwanda now sees itself as "land-linked, not landlocked” because of its role connecting regional markets.

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Adeline Gabillaud, Regional Director Africa CMA CGM Group, a global leader in shipping and logistics, said the private sector is ready to invest in African transport corridors, but governments must first establish business-friendly regulatory frameworks.

"Operational, regulations, governance, integration, financing, these are all the barriers. For an actor in transport and logistics like CMA CGM, we do believe that there is an opportunity when there is a challenge. Everyone has to do his part. It’s a partnership between public and private sector.”

She said inconsistent regulations across countries continue to complicate regional infrastructure development.

Ousmane Dione, Regional Vice-President, Middle East and North Africa at World Bank said Africa has enormous untapped potential in inland waterways but lacks the institutional and regulatory structures needed to fully develop them.

Dione said investing effectively in transport corridors could significantly boost trade, industrialisation and job creation across the continent.

Dione also urged African governments to strengthen corridor-level institutions and move beyond fragmented agencies.

"It will require really thinking in a much more integrated way, building the coordination needed, bringing facilities, and at the same time putting the institutions,” he said.