air cargo Africa 2024 and the inaugural transport logistic Africa wrapped up successfully, reinforcing Kenya’s status as a key logistics hub. Held at The Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, the event attracted over 4,100 attendees from 50+ countries, featuring 150+ global brands, 450+ delegates, and 60+ industry experts. The strong turnout underscored the event’s growing impact on the global supply chain.
With Kenya emerging as a key logistics gateway, discussions focused on its expanding trade corridors, Nairobi’s ascent as a regional aviation hub, and Mombasa’s dominance as East Africa’s largest seaport. The event successfully facilitated multimodal partnerships, bridging Africa with key markets across the Middle East, Europe, and the Far East. Hon. Caleb Kositany, Chairman, Kenya Airports Authority, emphasized the significance of the event, stating: “This is not just a discussion platform—it is a solutions-driven initiative that is redefining Africa’s logistics landscape. The integration of air, maritime, rail, and road networks is crucial to unlocking Africa’s true potential as a global trade powerhouse.”
Unprecedented Global Participation
The event attracted a strong lineup of industry leaders, highlighting Africa’s expanding role in global logistics:
Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director & CEO, Kenya Airways, remarked: “Africa is poised for a logistics revolution. To harness this potential, we must accelerate infrastructure development and innovation. This event is an enabler, driving strategic investments and fostering collaboration to transform Africa’s trade ecosystem.”
Strengthening Industry Collaboration and Policy Alignment
The event saw active participation from key trade associations and logistics associations, ensuring industry-wide engagement like Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Kenya International Freight & Warehousing Association (KIFWA), Shippers Council of Eastern Africa (SCEA), Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI), Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC).
Emile N. Arao, Director General, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), highlighted Kenya’s aviation evolution: “We are not just regulators; we are enablers of progress. By embracing emerging technologies like UAS, SAF, and advanced cargo transport solutions, we are positioning Kenya as a leader in aviation and logistics.”
Key Industry Insights and Innovations
The trade fair provided critical industry takeaways:
Exhibitors Applaud Business Impact
The event received strong endorsements from leading logistics players, underscoring its effectiveness in fostering business partnerships:
Racheal Ndegwa, CEO, Swissport Kenya, commented, ‘‘air cargo Africa 2025 has reaffirmed its position as a premier industry platform where meaningful business happens. The high level of engagement enabled us to expand our regional partnerships, sign strategic agreements, and strengthen our air cargo network across Africa. As trade volumes grow, platforms like this are essential for fostering collaboration and driving efficiency in the continent’s air freight sector.”
Captain Fiorenzo Castellano, Managing Director, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), said, ‘‘This event has been a crucial platform for driving multimodal connectivity and strengthening Africa’s position in global trade. As demand for seamless logistics solutions grows, the trade show has enabled us to engage with key stakeholders, explore strategic partnerships and showcase MSC’s commitment to integrating sea and land solutions. The conversations and collaborations here will play a vital role in shaping the future of supply chains across the continent.”
Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, said, ‘‘Africa is a thriving engine of global trade, and both transport logistic Africa and air cargo Africa have been important platforms for shaping the future of air cargo in the market and beyond. The exhibition facilitated insightful discussions, fostered strategic partnerships, and highlighted the transformative role of innovation in driving global trade. As a facilitator of global trade, Emirates SkyCargo remains committed to strengthening connectivity and unlocking new opportunities for the industry.”
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Bhupinder Singh, President IMEA (India, Middle East, Africa), Messe München & CEO, Messe München India, concluded: “The resounding success of air cargo Africa & transport logistics Africa 2025 is a testament to Africa’s emergence as a key architect of the future of global trade and supply chain innovation. No longer just adapting to global trade dynamics, Africa is proactively defining its role as a strategic hub, fostering resilient, technology-driven, and sustainable logistics ecosystems. As Africa continues to strengthen its trade networks, our focus remains on fostering collaboration, driving efficiency, and enabling sustainable growth that benefits businesses, economies, and communities alike.”
Looking Ahead to 2027
Building on its momentum, Messe München has confirmed that air cargo Africa & transport logistic Africa will return in 2027, promising an even larger and more influential platform for global logistics stakeholders.
For more details, visit: https://aircargoafrica.aero/en/