Kenya: The International Trade and Logistics Summit kicked off in Mombasa on Oct 28, 2025 to bring together the key players from the shipping, maritime and logistics sectors to engage in industry-related dialogue. The theme for 2025 event is ‘Innovating Logistics, Technology, Sustainability and Collaboration for a Resilient Future’.
For the next two days, the summit will explore the current state and will celebrate the recent achievements. It will also identify new opportunities as the industry adapts to and integrates cutting edge technologies for improved efficiency and sustainability.
The Principal Secretary in the State Department for Transport – Mohammed Daghar lauded the government for prioritising trade facilitation. He noted that the commitment ensures efficient movement of goods and people to support their thriving businesses.
Expanding this, PS presided the official opening of the summit that underscored investments in infrastructure, particularly at ports, on roads, and on rail, as key catalysts for efficient logistics and trade for seamless and efficient connectivity within the region.
Furthermore, this highlighted the ports; status and good performance, as PS Daghar commended the management of the Kenya Ports Authority, as led by the Captain William Ruto.
Daghar praised many initiatives which are lined up for implementation and aims at enhancing the capacity and efficiency of the Port of Mombasa. He singled out the ongoing construction of berth 19-B and berth one at Dongo Kundu SEZ, noting their impact on increased capacity at Mombasa.
The Principal Secretary stated that the business is flourishing at the Port of Mombasa and they are committed to eliminate over 90% of non-tariff barriers at the northern transport corridor.
Managing Director – Capt. William Ruto addressed the participants at the summit and urged the business leaders to strive for a transformative change in maritime sector of Africa.
Capt. Ruto advocated for developing modern smart ports, digitally driven infrastructure, automation and data-predictive systems. The MD additionally stated that the technology and data are critical pillars for enhancing port efficiency and boosting the competitiveness of the maritime sector.
He remarked that they must reimagine the ports just as gateways and as intelligent ecosystems; where data, technology and sustainability converge to unlock the trade potential of Africa.
The summit is organised by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and the Kenya Freight Forwarders Association in partnership with KPA and the county government of Mombasa.
The event has attracted over 500 delegates from across Africa and beyond which includes port operators, shippers, freight forwarders, government agencies and shipping lines among others.