The 13th Ordinary Meeting of the Inter-State Council of Ministers of the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (CCTTFA) was held on June 7, 2024, at the Pullman Grand Karavia Hotel in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following the Central Corridor Board of Directors meeting.

The meeting was graced by the presence of several CCTTFA officials, including:

  • Hon. Marc Ekila Likombo, Minister of Transport, DRC
  • Hon. Jacob Hara, Minister of Transport & Public Works, Malawi
  • Hon. Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works & Transport, Uganda
  • Hon. David Mwakiposa Kihenzile, Deputy Minister of Transport, Tanzania
  • Hon. Patricie Uwase, Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Rwanda (virtual)
  • Hon. Frank M. Tayali, Minister of Transport & Logistics, Zambia (Observer)
  • Hon. Jacques Kyabula Katwe, Governor of Haut-Katanga Province
  • Adv. Flory Okandju Okonge, Executive Secretary of CCTTFA

Key participants also included members of the Executive Board of Directors, invited guests like diplomatic heads, public and private sector leaders, and development partners.

The meeting took place in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, underscoring the strong sense of cooperation among member states. A significant highlight was the formal reception of the instrument of ratification from the Republic of Malawi, a milestone attributed to the diligent efforts of Hon. Jacob Hara in completing the accession process.

 

A notable event during the meeting was the handover of the chairmanship of the Interstate Council of Ministers. The outgoing Chairperson, Hon. Marie Chantal Nijimbere, ceremoniously passed the baton to Hon. Marc Ekila Likombo, marking a smooth and symbolic transition in leadership.

 

Additionally, on the sidelines of the meeting, a bilateral agreement was signed between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Tanzania, focusing on the development and operationalization of Dry Ports in both countries. This agreement is anticipated to significantly enhance trade facilitation and improve logistics efficiency across the region.

 

The 13th Ordinary Meeting concluded on a positive note, highlighting the collective commitment of member states to advancing transport and infrastructure projects within the Central Corridor. These collaborative efforts are aimed at stimulating economic growth and enhancing regional connectivity.

 

This meeting exemplifies the unwavering dedication of the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (CCTTFA) and its member states to fostering regional integration and development through improved transport infrastructure and logistics.