As Africa’s air cargo and logistics sector experiences rapid growth, Nairobi is set to host the Air Cargo and Transport Logistics Africa 2025 event from February 19–21.
The summit will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and logistics experts to discuss the future of airfreight in Africa amid increasing trade and freight expansion across the continent.
According to the-star.co.ke, co-hosted by the Kenya Airports Authority, the event will bring together global and regional leaders in air cargo, freight logistics, and multimodal transport solutions to discuss challenges, share innovations, and shape the future of the industry in Africa.
The event comes at a time when Africa’s air cargo sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
AfCFTA, the largest free trade agreement in the world, connects 1.3 billion people across 55 countries with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion (Sh439.1 trillion). It is expected to increase transport demand by 50 per cent and boost intra-African trade by 25per cent, creating immense opportunities for the air cargo industry.
“Hosting Air Cargo Africa 2025 in Nairobi underscores the city’s importance as a logistics hub and provides an unparalleled platform to address Africa’s airfreight needs,” said Kenya Airways cargo director Dick Murianki.
In 2024, Africa’s air cargo traffic saw a 6 per cent year-on-year growth, with special cargo—fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and high-value goods—accounting for 80per cent of exports.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), one of Africa’s busiest cargo hubs, handled 112,000 tons of cargo in Q1 2024, further solidifying Kenya’s pivotal role in driving logistics efficiency and trade growth across the continent.
Air Cargo Africa 2025 will bring together global and regional leaders in the air freight and logistics industry.
The event will feature participation from top-tier carriers such as Kenya Airways Cargo, Astral Aviation, Ethiopian Airlines, and South African Airways, alongside major international players including Emirates SkyCargo, Lufthansa Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, Etihad Cargo, and Turkish Airlines Cargo.
Beyond airline representation, the event will also attract key government agencies and trade bodies, including the Kenya Airports Authority (Co-Host), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa (SCEA). Attendees can also expect international pavilions, with exhibitors from Germany and China showcasing their expertise and innovations in logistics.
A major highlight of the conference will be its cutting-edge discussions, with over 60 speakers addressing critical topics such as multi-modal logistics, sustainable freight solutions, and the impact of technology on air cargo operations.
Additionally, a dedicated Health and Humanitarian Logistics (HHL) Forum on February 21, 2025, curated in partnership with the Health and Humanitarian Logistics Association (HLA), will shed light on the crucial role of air cargo in delivering medical supplies, vaccines, and disaster relief across Africa.
As part of the celebrations, the Cargo Awards Night on February 20, 2025, will honor outstanding achievements in air cargo, logistics, and supply chain excellence, recognizing key industry players shaping the future of freight transportation.
According to the organisers, the event is expected to draw over 2,000 industry professionals, offering unparalleled networking opportunities with global experts and stakeholders.
Attendees will have the chance to explore new business ventures with 60+ exhibitors, gain insights from top speakers on emerging trends in trade and logistics, and engage in high-level policy discussions on customs, cargo safety, and trade facilitation.
