Advancing women’s leadership in transport, logistics and supply chain

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA) will host its fourth Women in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Empowerment Conference on 18 September.

The event (WECON 2026) will be held at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg under the theme “Resilience Reimagined: Leading Through Disruption”. It is aimed at professionals across transport, logistics, procurement, warehousing, distribution and supply chain, as well as entrepreneurs, students, educators, policymakers and corporate leaders advancing gender equity.

“South Africa’s logistics system faces infrastructure constraints, port bottlenecks, skills shortages, digital transformation and shifting market expectations, placing resilience at the centre of organisational success,” says CILTSA brand ambassador Shevon Kotiah (CMILT). “WECON 2026 offers a focused space for women to build the insight, networks and confidence needed to lead through these conditions and shape more competitive industries.”

Female underrepresentation persists

Women account for around 28% of SA’s transport and logistics workforce, and just over 4% of commercial road freight truck drivers. Reports cited by the Vaal University of Technology indicate that women hold fewer than one in four senior leadership positions in the transport and logistics sectors.

Statistics South Africa’s wider transport research shows that the share of black African women holding a driver’s licence rose from 9.6% in 2013 to 13.4% in 2020. These figures signal progress in participation alongside an urgent need to widen access to technical roles, business ownership, professional advancement and executive leadership.

Practical insight for a changing sector

The programme will explore the future of South African logistics and the trends shaping it. It will, for example, consider practical approaches to building disruption-ready transport businesses, including the realities facing start-ups. Delegates will also examine how women can strengthen supply chain competitiveness by responding to infrastructure challenges, operational pressures and systemic change. A dedicated growth session will focus on leadership, professionalisation and education. Topics include the relationship between internationally recognised professional designations and career mobility, ways to bridge skills gaps through accredited learning, and the value of continuous professional development.

“Resilience is built when women have the skills, professional standing, connections and conviction to make decisions that move organisations and communities forward,” says Kotiah. “This conference is a call to claim that space, lead with purpose and turn disruption into lasting progress.”

Connections that lead to action

Throughout the day, attendees can visit the Imbokodo Hub – a curated exhibition and networking space showcasing industry solutions, services and opportunities. Named for the Zulu symbol of a strong, resilient woman, the Hub will provide a practical setting for delegates to discover new resources, build relationships and explore partnerships.

The Mentorship Matchmaking initiative will enable delegates to indicate whether they are looking for a mentor or are willing to become one, helping to create meaningful professional relationships beyond the event. The day will conclude with a fireside chat on mentorship in motion, supporting meaningful connections between experienced professionals and the next generation of sector leaders.

CILTSA invites women and allies across logistics, transport and supply chain to take part in a day of learning, connection and action. By investing in women’s leadership, skills and enterprise, the sector can develop stronger talent pipelines and build the resilience South Africa needs for inclusive, sustainable growth.

The event is sponsored by Isuzu and Ctrack. For more information, please visit: https://www.ciltsa.events/women-in-logistics-transport-and-supply-chain-empowerment-conference/