Nairobi Edition Sets New Benchmarks in Cargo and Logistics, Driving Multimodal Connectivity and Trade Innovation Across the Continent
Nairobi, Kenya – February 22, 2025 – The 7th edition of air cargo Africa and the debut of transport logistic Africa concluded on a high note, cementing Kenya’s position as a strategic logistics hub. The event, hosted at The Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, welcomed over 4,100 attendees from 50+ countries, 150+ global brands, 450+ delegates, and 60+ expert speakers, marking its growing influence 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:
• Aviation and Air Cargo: Kenya Airways, South African Airways, EgyptAir, TAAG Angola, Ethiopian Airways, Astral Aviation, and Airlink Cargo.
• Logistics Leaders: AGL, EFL, Suhara Logistics, and Mitchell COTTS Freight Group showcased integrated transport solutions.
• Middle East & Europe’s Engagement: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Sharjah Airport emphasized the region’s growing investment, while Menzies Aviation, Swissport, Lufthansa Cargo, and Boeing reinforced Europe’s commitment.
• Asia-Africa Trade Connectivity: Companies like We Fly and HACTL bolstered the presence of the Far East in African trade.
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:
• Health & Humanitarian Logistics Conference: Hosted by The Humanitarian Logistics Association (HLA), sessions addressed local procurement, last-mile delivery, AI-driven logistics, and building resilient supply chains.
• Site Visits: Delegates explored Astral Aerial Solutions’ drone services hub and Reltex Leihua Kenya’s humanitarian aid tarpaulin factory, gaining firsthand insights into Africa’s evolving logistics sector.
• STAT Times International Awards: Recognized trailblazers in air cargo and logistics, celebrating innovation and excellence across the continent.
Exhibitors Applaud Business Impact
The event received strong endorsements from leading logistics players, underscoring its effectiveness in fostering business partnerships:
“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.”
— Racheal Ndegwa, CEO, Swissport Kenya
“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.”
— Captain Fiorenzo Castellano, Managing Director, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
“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.”
– Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo
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/
For Business and Exhibitor Inquiries:
Romaldine Fernandes | romaldine.fernandes@mm-india.in | +91 9819056866
For Press and Media Inquiries:
Saher Khanzada | saher.khanzada@mm-india.in | +91 22 42554723
