Shaping Africa’s Logistics Future: Call to Action at ITLS 2025

By Andrew Mwangura

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The International Trade and Logistics Summit (ITLS) 2025, set to take place from October 27-28 in Mombasa, Kenya, presents a pivotal moment for the continent’s logistics and trade sectors.

Hosted at the picturesque Pride Paradise Beach Hotel, this event, organized by KIFWA and KNCCI Mombasa in partnership with the Mombasa County Government and Kenya Ports Authority, carries the ambitious theme “Shaping Africa’s Logistics Future.”

As Africa stands at a crossroads, with its economies increasingly interconnected and its trade potential vast yet underexploited, ITLS 2025 offers a rare opportunity to drive meaningful change.

This summit is more than just a gathering; it is a clarion call for stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and invest in a future where logistics can unlock the continent’s full economic promise.

The logistics sector in Africa has long been a bottleneck to growth, plagued by inefficiencies, inadequate infrastructure, and fragmented trade policies. Yet, the rise of automation, artificial intelligence, sustainable logistics, robotics, and predictive analytics promises a new wave of efficiency and competitiveness.

ITLS 2025 aims to spotlight these transformative trends, bringing together government officials, global logistics leaders, technology innovators, investors, and academia to foster high-level dialogue and actionable partnerships.

This convergence of diverse expertise is crucial, as the challenges facing African logistics are complex and require solutions that transcend borders and sectors.

The summit’s focus on connecting influential audiences—from C-suite executives to policymakers and solution providers—creates a dynamic environment where ideas can flourish and strategies can be forged.

One of the most compelling reasons to attend ITLS 2025 is the chance to network with a diverse, influential audience that extends beyond Africa. The event will draw participants from across the globe, including those shaping the future of trade in major logistics hubs.

This international perspective is invaluable, as Africa’s logistics landscape cannot evolve in isolation.

By engaging with global leaders, local stakeholders can benchmark their practices, adopt best-in-class technologies, and attract the investment needed to modernize ports, roads, and supply chains. For instance, Mombasa, as a key entry point for East African trade, stands to benefit immensely from such collaborations, potentially elevating its status as a premier logistics hub.

The summit also serves as a platform to discover opportunities for business growth, investment, and collaboration in one of Africa’s most dynamic logistics hubs. Mombasa’s strategic location and the presence of the Port of Mombasa make it an ideal setting to explore how emerging technologies can streamline operations and reduce costs.

Attendees will have the chance to interact with CEOs, supply chain managers, port authorities, freight forwarders, technology providers, and passionate investors who share a vision for the future of trade and logistics in Africa.

This melting pot of expertise can spark initiatives that address pressing issues, such as the need for sustainable practices and the integration of predictive analytics to optimize supply chains.

Sustainability, in particular, is a theme that resonates deeply in today’s global context. As environmental concerns grow, the logistics sector must adapt to greener practices without compromising efficiency.

ITLS 2025 provides a space to discuss how sustainable logistics can be integrated into Africa’s development agenda, balancing economic growth with ecological responsibility.

This is not just a trend but a necessity, as the continent seeks to attract environmentally conscious investors and align with international trade standards. The summit’s emphasis on innovation and sustainability positions it as a forward-thinking event that could set the tone for the next decade of African logistics.

For those hesitant to participate, the stakes could not be higher. Missing ITLS 2025 means missing a chance to shape the future of Africa’s logistics sector and join peers who are driving innovation, sustainability, and growth across the continent.

The event is an investment in the future, offering attendees the tools to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Whether through registering to attend, becoming a sponsor, or exhibiting solutions, every participant can contribute to a collective vision that prioritizes efficiency, connectivity, and progress.

The timing of ITLS 2025 could not be more opportune. As of September 13, 2025, the world is watching Africa’s economic trajectory with keen interest.

The continent’s youthful population, abundant resources, and growing markets make it a hotspot for investment, yet realizing this potential hinges on a robust logistics framework.

The summit’s organizers have wisely chosen Mombasa, a city synonymous with trade and maritime activity, to host this event, leveraging its historical significance and modern aspirations.

The collaboration between KIFWA, KNCCI Mombasa, the Mombasa County Government, and Kenya Ports Authority underscores a unified commitment to transforming logistics into a driver of prosperity.

Critics might argue that such summits often produce more talk than action, with promises fading after the event concludes. However, ITLS 2025 has the potential to break this cycle by focusing on tangible outcomes—partnerships that lead to infrastructure projects, policies that encourage innovation, and investments that materialize into jobs and growth.

The presence of technology innovators and investors ensures that discussions will be grounded in practical solutions, not just theoretical ideals. Moreover, the event’s emphasis on actionable dialogue can foster long-term commitments, turning Mombasa into a model for other African cities.

In conclusion, ITLS 2025 is a beacon of hope for Africa’s logistics future. It invites stakeholders to step up, engage, and collaborate in shaping a sector that can propel the continent to new heights.

The summit is not just about addressing current challenges but about envisioning a future where trade flows seamlessly, economies thrive, and Africa takes its rightful place in the global market.

As the event approaches, now is the time to register, participate, and be part of a movement that will define the next era of African logistics. The future is being shaped, and it starts in Mombasa this October.

The author is a policy analyst specializing in maritime governance and blue economy development.