Mr. Stephen Adjokatcher, President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), has been elected Vice President of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), the global body representing freight forwarders.
The election took place at the National Convention Center in Hanoi, Vietnam, during the FIATA World Congress 2025, held from 6th to 10th October. His victory marks a significant milestone not only for Ghana but for the African freight forwarding community, as Mr. Adjokatcher brings decades of experience, innovation, and leadership to the global logistics platform.
In a highly competitive race involving 13 other candidates, Mr. Adjokatcher emerged victorious. Countries that contested the vice presidency included India, Italy, Colombia, Vietnam, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Iran, Chinese Taipei, and Egypt.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Adjokatcher expressed gratitude to the newly elected FIATA President, Mr. Thomas Sim from Singapore, and the Director-General, Mr. Stéphane Graber, for the confidence placed in him by FIATA’s member associations. He reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the pressing challenges confronting the global logistics and transport sector.
“The world is experiencing rapid changes in supply chain dynamics, digitalization, and sustainability expectations. As Vice President, I am dedicated to collaborating with stakeholders worldwide to develop practical, future-oriented solutions,” he stated. He added, “Together, we must ensure that the freight forwarding industry stays resilient, efficient, and inclusive amid global disruptions.”
Even before his election, Mr. Adjokatcher had initiated efforts to connect the Togolese Association, Union Professionnel des Agrés en Douane du Togo (UPRAD TOGO), with FIATA. This important step has enabled Togolese freight forwarders to access the benefits and resources of the global organization.
An astute freight forwarder with several decades of experience, Mr. Adjokatcher is also the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Santa Shipping Company. Under his leadership at GIFF, he has been instrumental in driving regulatory reforms, capacity building, and the digital transformation of freight forwarding in Ghana. His international outlook and deep understanding of regional logistics challenges position him as a strong advocate for emerging economies within the global freight forwarding community.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Congress after his election, Mr. Adjokatcher expressed heartfelt gratitude to the delegates for the confidence reposed in him, promising to perform his duties diligently and with integrity. He also thanked his GIFF colleagues who accompanied him to the Congress for their unwavering support, which contributed immensely to his success.
The 2025 FIATA World Congress, held under the theme “Green and Resilient Logistics,” brought together more than 1,000 leaders in the logistics and transport sectors from over 100 countries across the globe. The event provided a unique platform for industry leaders to share insights, explore innovative solutions, and strengthen collaboration within the freight forwarding and logistics ecosystem.
FIATA, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, represents over 40,000 forwarding and logistics firms worldwide. For nearly a century, the organization has convened its flagship FIATA World Congress (FWC) to discuss global industry trends, hear perspectives from top industry leaders, and foster cooperation among supply chain actors from all corners of the logistics world.
The annual event, typically held in September or October, attracts between 700 and 1,000 participants from logistics, transport, and cargo sectors, alongside institutional observers and industry partners.
Mr. Adjokatcher’s election as Vice President signals a renewed commitment to strengthening Africa’s voice within the global freight forwarding space and promoting collaboration in shaping the future of global trade logistics.
