Mombasa to Host International Trade and Logistics Summit 2025

Mbungu Harrison and Mwakwaya Raymond

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Mombasa will host the International Trade and Logistics Summit (ITLS) 2025 on October 27–28, 2925 at Pride Inn Paradise Beach Resort, in a strategic initiative aimed at attracting global logistics investments and enhancing the local economy.

The summit is being convened through a partnership of key industry players including the Mombasa County Government, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA), and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).

According to the organizers, ITLS 2025 is expected to catalyze new business deals, investment agreements, and cross-border partnerships, while also helping shape government policy, accelerate digital transformation in the logistics and maritime sectors, and strengthen regional and international networks for logistics professionals.

“The economy of Mombasa is largely fueled by logistics both by land and sea. The upcoming summit will showcase Mombasa and position it as a global investment hub,” said Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.

Governor Nassir emphasized that the summit’s core goals include: connecting regional businesses to global markets, fostering new trade agreements and cross-border investments, and highlighting technological advancements in logistics, including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools.

“Strengthening partnerships between governments, private sector actors, and industry associations. Promoting dialogue on green logistics, port efficiency, and sustainable practices,” he said.

This year’s summit marks the first time KIFWA will partner on such a scale with government and private sector players, representing a new chapter in Kenya’s logistics ecosystem.

Rajab Hamisi, chair of KIFWA addressing the Media at the governors office. (Photo By Mwakwaya Raymond)

Speaking at media briefing, the governor’s office, Rajab Hamisi, chair of KIFWA, noted that the summit presents an unprecedented opportunity for logistics professionals and small businesses.

“This is an opportunity for logistics players to network, scale economically, and tap into global opportunities. It will promote inclusive growth, especially for SMEs and emerging entrepreneurs,” he said.

He added that youth involvement would be a central theme of the summit, with specific platforms for showcasing innovations, connecting traders to buyers, and providing practical solutions to unemployment.

“We want young people to come in large numbers to learn, innovate, and contribute to solving regional challenges.”

To further support the logistics sector, the county is also considering a review of Single Business Permit (SBP) rates to make them more favourable for local and foreign logistics enterprises.

The governor noted that beyond investment attraction, the summit will also promote regional economic integration by involving players from neighboring countries.

Confirmed participating delegations include Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, and Sudan, with Rwanda and Burundi expected to confirm their participation.

Countries from North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia will also be in attendance, some of whom will demonstrate cutting-edge technologies such as drone logistics solutions.

The organizers plan to make the International Trade and Logistics Summit an annual event, further anchoring Mombasa’s position as a regional logistics powerhouse.

Abud Jamal, chairperson of KNCCI and co-chair of ITLS, underscored the strategic vision behind the summit.

“The summit will convene key industries to chart a way forward for sustainable economic growth. It’s not just about logisticsit’s about driving Kenya’s trade future,” Jamal said.

He added that ITLS 2025 will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and technology innovators to define the next era of trade, logistics, and port operations in the region.

Deputy Chair of International Trade and Logistics Summit. (Photo By Mwakwaya Raymond)

“ITLS is more than a conference; it’s a platform for genuine business transformation. We invite logisticians, entrepreneurs, and professionals to join us for these two impactful days,” he concluded.

Interested participants are encouraged to register online to gain access to expert panels, technology exhibitions, business matchmaking opportunities, and high-level networking forums.