It was an honor that the Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA) partnered with RWAFFA in hosting this global event in the heart of Africa, in the beautiful city of Kigali in Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. RWAFFA members and executives attended the Global convention that took place on 29th-30th August 2019 at the iconic Kigali International Convention Centre.
The 2019 convention that was held under the theme “LOGISTICS; THE ENGINE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT” offered a unique opportunity for professionals in the transport and freight logistics sector from all over the world to share best practices, engage with transport and logistics policy makers, interact with a wide range of stakeholders as well as learn emerging trends, developments, opportunities and threats to the sector across the globe. It is therefore the place that was to be for every freight logistician.
During the event, activities were carefully selected to offer delegates, especially those from outside Rwanda professional and social memories of a lifetime.
Cocktails, Gala dinner at the event
The convention offered unique industry-focused high-level panel discussions, very enriching plenary and break-away sessions by top-notch industry and public experts, Business to business/business to Government sessions, a rich Logistics Exhibition, Cocktails, Gala dinner, and Tours in the beautiful land of 1000 hills.
It was a great opportunity for everyone that attended for they were served a unique taste of what Rwanda and the East African region offers.
- Appraisal of the Self-Regulation and Accreditation of freight forwarders bill
At the convention, a number of activities took place, and among the most important was the Self-Regulation and Accreditation of freight forwarders law. The model bill was developed in collaboration with various stakeholders to overcome challenges that are hindering the industry.
Since some of these challenges can’t be solved without a specific legal framework, Self-regulation becomes important as it is all about the regulation of the professionals involved in customs agents and freight forwarders. It is an important mechanism for governing industry practices with multiple benefits to all stakeholders and shareholders.
Self-regulation remains crucial and freight forwarders have to push for the self-regulatory mechanism as a tool to bring about sanity and professionalism in Rwanda’s freight logistics. The new bill is meant to shape tools, behaviors, and values that every professional customs agent ought to possess to promote professionalism in tax compliance and freight forwarding business. The new bill helps the association members to do their work with professionalism and boost efficiency in service delivery.
- Validation Workshop on Self-Regulation
The workshop took place on 10th April 2019 at Park Inn Hotel in the city center of the Kigali capital. The workshop put emphasis on the role and importance of self-regulation which is not only intended to enhance professionalism in the delivery of freight forwarding services but also enhance compliance to rules and regulations, protect consumers, become accountable as a sector, become more competitive, and promote growth.
