Nairobi, Kenya – August 26, 2024 – GLA Global Logistics Alliance, dedicated to its vision of creating a better world for global logistics, proudly hosted the GLA Africa Regional logistics Forum 2024 at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. This landmark event aimed to empower African logistics enterprises, enhancing their global reach and reinforcing GLA’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and strengthening the logistics industry across the continent.

The forum commenced with a grand opening ceremony, reflecting the enthusiasm and dedication of African logistics professionals and associations. More than 200 entrepreneur representatives from over 54 African countries & delegations from notable chinese companies gathered to participate in this pivotal event. The discussions centered on Africa's crucial role in the global value chain, exploring ways to strengthen connections with regions. The forum provided a dynamic platform for regional enterprises to engage in strategic discussions, network with industry leaders, and identify new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

For the first time, Ms. Grace Sun, President of GLA Global Logistics Alliance, embarked on an extensive visit across Africa, exploring the region’s vibrant business landscape. She connected with numerous enterprises and was deeply impressed by their dedication, work ethics, and unparalleled professionalism. Inspired by this firsthand experience, Ms. Grace emphasized that GLA, as a global logistics network, is committed to empowering African logistics enterprises to integrate with the global market through collaborative efforts. She expressed GLA’s eagerness to support these enterprises in achieving greater visibility and growth on the world stage.

The event featured an impressive lineup of distinguished guests, including Mr. Robinson Kilonzo, Chairman of the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association; Mr. Leonard, Chairman of Mombasa Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association; Mr. Wyclyffe Wanda, Executive Officer of KIFWA; Mr. Fredrick Aloo, National Secretary of KIFWA; Madam Betty Kamau, Board Member of KIFWA; Mr. Yang Tao, Founder and CEO of Kilimall; Mr. Peter Head of Cargo Commercial at Kenya Airways; Ms Wang Yanhe, Transsion Overseas Public Affairs Department China; Mr. Soji Johnson, CEO of Speedway Global Logistics LTD; and Mr. Kevin Ho, CEO of Kenwing Air Freight Express Ltd. These esteemed individuals brought valuable insights and perspectives to the forum, significantly contributing to the robust discussions on the future of logistics in Africa.

In her keynote address, GLA President Ms. Grace Sun highlighted Africa's strategic importance within the global logistics ecosystem. She remarked, "Africa's unique geographical position and rapidly emerging markets position it as a pivotal player in the global logistics network. This trip to Africa provided me with a glimpse of the immense potential and opportunities the continent has to offer. GLA has been consistently fostering a safe, trustworthy, and secure environment for cooperation among global logistics companies, sharing best practices and success stories to enhance the competitiveness of businesses in the international market."

Ms. Grace Sun - President GLA Global Logistics Alliance , Mr. Malik - Director of Marketing and Business Development GLA,  Mr. Jephte - Product Manager GLA, Mr. Leonard, Chairman of Mombasa Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association, Mr. Fredrick Aloo, National Secretary of KIFWA, Mr. Wyclyffe Wanda - Executive Officer of KIFWA, Mr. Yang Tao - Founder & CEO of Kilimall, Mr. Peter Head of Cargo Commercial at Kenya Airways 

As a guest speaker, Mr. Yang Tao, Founder and CEO of Kilimall, shared his experiences and insights on leading the online shopping revolution in East Africa. He detailed how Kilimall has become the region's leading online shopping platform and a prominent e-commerce infrastructure service provider. Mr. Yang discussed the key strategies that have fueled Kilimall's growth, including forging strategic partnerships with local suppliers to enhance product availability, investing in advanced technology to optimize user experience, and implementing efficient logistics networks to ensure fast and reliable delivery. He emphasized the importance of understanding local consumer behavior, adapting to market needs, and continuously innovating to stay ahead in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

Mr. Wyclyffe Wanda, Executive Officer of KIFWA, underscored Africa's critical role in the global logistics landscape and the vast potential opportunities within the region. He invited global enterprises to explore Africa's dynamic markets and leverage its strategic position for growth and collaboration, emphasizing that the continent is ready to engage with international partners in fostering innovation and expansion.

Mr. Jephte, Product Manager at GLA, delivered an insightful presentation titled “Africa Logistics Cooperation Insights.” During his presentation, Mr. Jephte highlighted the vast and robust network that GLA has built, encompassing over 200 logistics companies across Africa. He elaborated on how GLA actively facilitates business opportunities by providing its members with access to cutting-edge tools, resources, and a global network of partners. By leveraging these assets, GLA members can maximize their operational efficiency, expand their market reach, and tap into new growth opportunities both within Africa and on a global scale. 

In his address, Mr. Malik, Director of Marketing and Business Development at GLA, underscored the importance of modernizing international logistics to enhance regional trade and improve supply chain efficiency. He stated, "Through the global platform of GLA, we are committed to advancing international trade and injecting new energy into the economic transformation and sustainable development of the Global supplychian."

Mr. Peter, Head of Cargo Commercial at Kenya Airways, emphasized Africa's growing role in the global supply chain amid digital transformation and Sustainable Development Goals. He highlighted the airline's commitment to enhancing cargo services through advanced logistics systems and smart tracking technology, aiming to boost efficiency and support sustainable development in Africa's aviation industry. 

The Forum also featured insightful panel discussions that brought together some of the influential leaders in the African logistics industry. The panels included Mr. Victor, Director of Genuine Freight Service Ltd; Mrs. Caroline Koko, CEO of Seatide Forwarders Limited; Ms. Shireen Hassan, Commercial Director of RTW Shipping & Logistics Ltd; Mr. Soji Johnson, CEO of Speedway Global Logistics LTD; and Mrs. Millicent Osei Amanor, CEO of Myma Logistics. These industry experts engaged in dynamic discussions on the evolving landscape of African logistics, exploring challenges, opportunities, and strategic solutions to drive growth and global connectivity. Their diverse insights underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and strategic investments in positioning Africa as a key player in the global logistics market.

A key highlight of the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by GLA President, Ms. Grace Sun, and Mr. Fredrick Aloo, National Secretary of KIFWA. This significant partnership is designed to foster deeper cooperation among logistics associations, professionals, and enterprises, facilitating the exchange of expertise and the implementation of best practices across the industry.

Mr. Leonard, Chairman of Mombasa Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association, Mr. Fredrick Aloo, National Secretary of KIFWA, Ms. Grace Sun, GLA President, Mr. Robinson Kilonzo, Chairman of the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association

The MOU underscores GLA's commitment to strengthening Africa's logistics sector and further integrating it into the global logistics network. By formalizing this collaboration, both parties aim to enhance global logistics connectivity, improve supply chain efficiency, and ensure that African logistics enterprises can fully capitalize on emerging opportunities in the international market.

The forum is a testament to GLA's leadership in advancing the digital transformation of the global logistics industry. It emphasizes GLA's steadfast commitment to creating a global logistics ecosystem that fosters technological innovation and collaboration, contributing significantly to the economic growth and sustainability of the African region. 

About GLA Global Logistics Alliance: GLA Global Logistics Alliance is a fast growing global network of logistics and freight forwarding companies representing over 170+ countries. With a membership of more than 7,000 members, GLA serves as a leading platform for collaboration, business development, and knowledge sharing in the logistics industry. The annual GLA Global Logistics Conferences are one of the flagship events, attracting logistics professionals, industry leaders, and partners from around the world. This year the 11th GLA Global Logistics Conference will be in Bangkok from November 22 to 25, 2024. This conference promises to be a pivotal event uniting industry leaders to discuss cutting-edge innovations and sustainable practices. For more information about GLA Global Logistics Alliance and its initiatives, please visit GLA Website. 

Media Contact:

Mr. Malik - Business Development Director | +86 - 18927434147 | malik@glafamily.com

Contact Information:

Ms. Grace Sun - President GLA | 86-19926696769  | grace@glafamily.com