A Japanese logistics company, Yusen Logistics, and Africa Global Logistics (AGL) have partnered to establish Yusen Africa (East Africa) Limited, a new freight forwarding and logistics business with its headquarters located in Nairobi.
The joint venture will support the region’s growing trade and supply chain demands by providing integrated freight forwarding and logistics solutions, operating out of Kenya and serving the larger Eastern Africa region.
“Kenya will serve as a strategic gateway for regional operations, supporting key trade corridors including the Northern Corridor, the Central Corridor and the Ethiopia-Djibouti corridor,” the two firms said in a joint statement
According to them, the agreement combines Yusen Logistics’ worldwide network, digital platforms, and international supply chain capabilities with AGL’s robust regional presence and local market understanding.
Customers across various industries, including automotive, healthcare, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), infrastructure, and industrial projects, will receive assistance from Yusen Africa (East Africa) Limited. Kenya’s position as the trade gateway for East Africa, continuous infrastructure improvements, and growing e-commerce usage have all contributed to the country’s growing demand for logistics services.
Recent statistics from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) indicate that the amount of cargo handled at the Port of Mombasa increased by 10% to 45.45 million metric tons in the previous year, reflecting this rise.
The port handled 40.99 million metric tons of cargo in 2024, a 4.46 million metric ton increase from the previous year. Additionally, container traffic increased by 109,797 TEUs, or 5.5%, to 2.11 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up from 2.00 million TEUs in 2024.
“We are honoured to inaugurate here in Nairobi the joint venture that combines AGL’s expertise in the East Africa region with the strength of Yusen Logistics for the benefit of our customers,” said Eric Melet, CEO of AGL International Logistics & Railways.
“This partnership will enable us to provide more integrated, efficient and high-value logistics solutions, while supporting the region’s economic development.”