Youth, women urged to register as Mombasa gears to host first-ever logistics summit

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir with International Logistics Summit 2025 Co-Chairs Rajab Hamis (left) and Abud Jamal (right) at a press briefing on the upcoming ILS Conference. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

By Farhiya Hussein
Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the summit would reposition Mombasa as more than a tourist destination by showcasing its strength in logistics.

Mombasa has been confirmed as the host of the first-ever international logistics conference, with organisers urging youths and women to register for the landmark gathering.

The two-day summit, set for October 27-28 at PrideInn Paradise Beach Hotel in Shanzu, will be the first in East Africa. Delegations are expected from Dubai, which will showcase drone delivery technology, as well as Tunisia, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan. More participation is anticipated from Asia and the wider East African Community.

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Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the summit would reposition Mombasa as more than a tourist destination by showcasing its strength in logistics.

“Mombasa’s economy is heavily anchored on logistics from port activities to investment, storage, transportation, clearing and forwarding. Through this first-ever international summit, we are not only promoting investment but also creating jobs for young people. We aim to ensure the port benefits the people of Mombasa directly and secures the city’s place as a global logistics hub,” said Abdulswamad.

He also noted, “We hope to see Mombasa recognised not only for its beaches but also as a centre of trade, logistics, and innovation. More investment means more opportunities and a stronger local economy.”

The summit is being organised through a consortium including the Mombasa County Government, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Transporters Association, Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA), and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).

KIFWA Mombasa Chapter Chairman and ITLS 2025 Co-Chair, Rajab Hamis, explained how the idea came about.

“The main source of Mombasa’s economy is logistics, yet we saw other regions hosting international conferences. While attending a conference in Zanzibar, we asked ourselves why Mombasa, the real logistics hub, should not have its own. Together with my co-chair, Abud Jamal, we agreed to establish this platform, and when we presented it to the Governor, he immediately saw how it could change the face of Mombasa,” said Rajab.

KNCCI Mombasa Chairman and ITLS 2025 Co-Chair, Abud Jamal, emphasised the wider significance. “This is the first time such a summit is being held in Mombasa. We want our voice as a logistics hub to be heard louder internationally. It is about innovation, trade, and creating meaningful networks for business people from all over the world,” he said.

Vice Chair, Musa Mbira, encouraged young people to seize the opportunity. “This is a success for Mombasa, and especially for our youth. They should come, learn from other players, and explore opportunities in logistics. We also call on women in logistics to step forward and showcase their role in shaping the industry,” he said.

The summit will feature sessions on artificial intelligence-driven logistics, maritime trade forecasting, green customs and ports, and cross-border trade partnerships. It is expected to catalyse new business deals, shape policy, and enhance East Africa’s global competitiveness.

Sponsors include KPA and the Kenya Transporters Association, with support from global logistics firms and industry associations.

Feisal Laskar, part of the organising team, said: “This conference will showcase new technologies and how prepared the industry will be if AI takes over. It is also about knowledge sharing and networking.”

Organisers say the benefits will spread beyond Mombasa. “This noble event will not only benefit the city but also neighbouring counties. Our vision is for it to become an annual platform that reaffirms Mombasa’s status as East Africa’s logistics gateway,” Feisal added.