Nairobi-based joint venture positions Kenya as a regional trade and freight hub
Africa’s logistics sector has received a major boost with the official launch of Yusen Africa (East Africa) Limited, a new joint venture between Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and Yusen Logistics. The partnership was unveiled just a week after securing regulatory approval, signalling a fast-moving commitment to strengthening integrated freight forwarding and logistics services across Eastern Africa.
Headquartered in Nairobi, the new company will operate from Kenya while extending its reach across the wider East African region. By combining international logistics expertise with strong local market knowledge, the venture is expected to significantly enhance supply chain efficiency and regional trade connectivity.
Kenya will serve as a strategic gateway for Yusen Africa’s operations, supporting some of the region’s most critical trade routes. These include the Northern Corridor, Central Corridor, and the Ethiopia, Djibouti corridor, which collectively underpin trade flows across multiple landlocked and coastal economies.
Yusen Africa (East Africa) Limited will function as an integrated freight forwarding (IFF) and logistics provider, offering tailored solutions to businesses operating in high-growth sectors such as automotive, healthcare, FMCG, infrastructure, and industrial projects.
Yusen Logistics brings significant global strength to the partnership. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of NYK Line, Japan’s largest shipping company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Meanwhile, AGL contributes extensive regional and international experience, with operations spanning 50 countries, including Haiti, East Timor, and Indonesia.
“By bringing together global expertise and technology with deep local capabilities, we are well positioned to support our customers as they grow across Eastern Africa,” said Hiroyuki Okamoto, President and COO, Yusen Logistics Global Management Co., Ltd.
The joint venture is also expected to play a role in supporting broader economic development across the region by improving logistics reliability and enabling smoother cross-border trade.
“This partnership will enable us to provide more integrated, efficient and high-value logistics solutions, while supporting the region’s economic development.” Added Eric Melet, CEO International Logistics & Railways, Africa Global Logistics.
With its Nairobi base, strong trade corridor focus, and backing from two major global logistics players, Yusen Africa (East Africa) Limited is well positioned to become a key driver of logistics innovation and trade facilitation in Eastern Africa.