By S, KNA
Mombasa County has announced plans to host the inaugural International Trade and Logistics Summit (ITLS) in October, an event aimed at positioning the coastal city as a regional hub for trade, logistics, and investment.
The two-day summit, scheduled for October 27 and 28 at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort, Mombasa, will bring together key players from the logistics, shipping, trade, and investment sectors.
It is being organised in partnership with the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA) and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Mombasa Chapter.
Speaking to the press at the county headquarters, Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir said the logistics sector remains the backbone of Mombasa’s economy, contributing significantly to trade and employment.
“Mombasa’s economy is largely driven by logistics, from port handling to storage, transportation, clearing and forwarding. Through this summit, we aim to showcase Mombasa as a competitive and attractive logistics hub. Growth in this sector directly translates into economic opportunities, including job creation for our youth,” the Governor said.
KIFWA Mombasa Chapter Chair, Rajab Khamis, said the summit will provide a platform to highlight investment opportunities in the county.
“Mombasa is often viewed mainly as a tourist destination, but it is also a strategic trade hub with opportunities such as the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone,” he said.
“This event will allow traders to showcase their innovations while attracting both local and international investors. We thank the county government for its support in making this possible,” he added.
KNCCI Mombasa Chair, Aboud Jamal, said the summit will enhance networking and collaboration among regional and global business leaders.
“We want to highlight Mombasa’s position as a global trade and logistics hub. The summit will host two business days of networking, exhibitions, and knowledge exchange with international partners. Our goal is to make this an annual event that benefits Mombasa, neighbouring counties, and the country at large,” Jamal said.
KIFWA Vice Chair, Musa Ambira, urged young people and women to register and participate in the event. Youth and women were encouraged to take advantage of the summit to interact with investors and learn how to engage in the logistics sector.
“The summit will feature delegations from Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, the East African Community, and South Sudan,” Ambira said, adding that registration is ongoing at www.itls.co.ke.