air cargo Africa opened the doors on Wednesday, welcoming the industry to the seventh edition of Messe München’s trade fair in the region.
The event, held in conjunction with the inaugural Transport Logistics Africa aims to offer a unique opportunity to explore innovative solutions shaping the future of air cargo, transportation, and logistics.
Throughout the conference and exhibition, the event is set to highlight the critical role the sector plays in driving economic growth, fostering regional integration, and unlocking Africa’s immense potential as a global logistics hub.
Key themes of the event are the strengthening of multi-modal transport solutions across the continent, embracing innovation in the region, moving the sector towards a more sustainable future and powering the growth of the African logistics space.
“Over the next three days, Nairobi will host participants from more than 60 countries, gathering to explore business opportunities, network, and drive regional growth,” Robert Schoenberger, Exhibition Group Director of events organiser Messe Muenchen, said, as he opened the event. “Welcome to Kenya! We wish you great conversations, productive meetings and a very successful event. Let’s make the most of these days together.”
“We are happy that this event will have such discussions taking place,” Kenyan Airports Authority Chairman Honorable Caleb Kositany stated. “I am certain that the next three days will be filled with conversations and activities aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation in the airfreight and transport logistics sector.”
Taking the stage, Kenya Airways Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka began his speech by recognising how critical logistics is for the development of Africa both regionally and internationally.
“We have a continent that is very rich in resources, in talent and in potential, but as we all know at the moment, we are not playing in our league,” he expressed. “Ee need to unlock that potential with the proper logistics, proper organisatios and proper capacity, and solving challenges such as infrastructure deficit and regulations.
“As an industry, we need to work closer together collaboratively and introduce innovation, have a shared vision to grow this industry and grow the economies around Africa.”
The Director General of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Emile Arao continued on this theme of enhancing the country’s position and supporting both the nation’s growth and the wider expansion of the sector.
“We’re really here to support the industry and everyone in it,” Arao outlined. “There is a significant gap in the market, but also a huge potential that can be leveraged through new technologies.
“For example, innovations like venture airliners with balloons or airships are emerging, which will make carbon transport more efficient. At KCA, we are not waiting for these technologies to develop on their own; we are taking a proactive approach to understand what needs to be done. This way, when investors or innovators bring forward new ideas, we will be ready to support them in achieving their vision.”
