CILTSA’s ESG Conference 2025 sharpens focus on CBAM impact and sustainable logistics innovation
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA) is gearing up for its ESG Conference 2025, scheduled for 24 July at the Focus Rooms in Longmeadows, Johannesburg. The event, themed "Measuring Impact, Managing Change," promises a comprehensive agenda dedicated to integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles within the transport, logistics, and supply chain sectors. Guided by Programme Director Aaron Munetsi, CEO of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa, the conference will feature senior executives from leading corporations such as EY, Unitrans, Absa, DP World, Transnet, Isuzu, and ISB Optimus.
Climate action forms a central pillar of the conference program, opening with a critical examination of sustainability challenges and opportunities in transport and logistics sectors responsible for 13.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions according to the United Nations Development Programme. This opening session will include a panel with Duane Newman of EY, Shameela Soobramoney from the National Business Initiative, and Liesl de Wet of Unitrans, who will discuss the impact of global policy shifts on Africa’s sustainable development pathway. The timing is particularly important as developing economies wrestle with long-term climate resilience amid global volatility.
A significant focus will be the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), set to become operational in 2026. CBAM aims to levy a carbon price on certain imported goods to the EU, curbing “carbon leakage” by encouraging emission reductions even among exporters. Given that 21% of South Africa’s exports go to the EU, local businesses face heightened vulnerability to these regulations. Insightful guidance will be provided by experts, including Heidi Barends of Absa’s Sustainable Finance division. The conference also promises practical discussions on how to embed ESG intelligence into logistics operations, featuring presentations from ISB Optimus and Infor executives about driving operational excellence through ESG accountability.
Beyond the environmental dimension, the social aspect of ESG will get focused attention through a panel featuring representatives from Absa, DP World, and Transnet. This segment will highlight findings from industry research showing that 85% of companies identify positive employee impacts through social responsibility initiatives, underpinning the growing importance of the ‘S’ in ESG frameworks. Mpho Nkhumeleni of Isuzu will add practical perspective by addressing challenges and opportunities in transitioning to sustainable trucking solutions—a key element in reducing the sector’s environmental footprint without sacrificing efficiency.
The conference will be highly interactive, incorporating ‘Open Mic’ sessions for delegates to share firsthand experiences and grassroots sustainability efforts from their communities, fostering peer learning and practical idea exchange. Sponsorship support has been robust, with backing from major industry players including ISB Optimus, Absa, Isuzu, SGS, and Tendai Mhlanga Photography, reflecting the sector’s commitment to advancing sustainable transformation.
CILTSA’s focus on ESG aligns closely with broader global efforts to leverage environmental, social, and governance data for smarter business decisions. While this conference zeroes in on transport and logistics, it echoes wider trends where 83% of investors now consider ESG factors, and companies with strong ESG credentials tend to outperform their peers financially on multiple fronts. This development points to not just regulatory compliance but strategic advantage for organizations that effectively manage ESG metrics.
Further context enriches the importance of this event. With the evolving regulatory landscape, especially concerning CBAM, South Africa’s exporters and supply chain operators face significant adjustments, requiring new skills, systems, and robust data interpretations to meet both local and international expectations. The event represents a critical moment for the transport and logistics industry to forge pathways toward sustainable operations while preparing for deeper integration of ESG principles into everyday business.
Elvin Harris, President of CILTSA, described the gathering as a pivotal opportunity for the sector. “We’re bringing together the brightest minds to address the complex ESG challenges facing transport and logistics. The quality of our speaker lineup and the breadth of topics covered demonstrate the sector’s commitment to sustainable transformation," he said.
For executives and association leaders involved in logistics, transport, and supply chains, this conference provides a vital forum to explore challenges, share innovations, and harness opportunities in the transition toward a more sustainable and resilient future.