As Africa moves into 2026, its logistics sector is at a critical point, navigating global uncertainty while demonstrating resilience. Venessa Dewing of DHL Express notes that investments in digital tools, regional connectivity, and infrastructure will shape the continent’s logistics growth over the coming year.
Global trade data supports this optimism. According to DHL’s Global Connectedness Tracker, trade in goods expanded faster in the first half of 2025 than in any comparable period since 2010, except during the pandemic. Dewing emphasises that Africa’s position as a connecting economy, linking regional markets while tapping into global trade offers a significant opportunity for growth.
Digitalisation as a core capability
Digital transformation is now a fundamental requirement for logistics across Africa. Mobile commerce already makes up nearly 80% of online transactions in Sub-Saharan Africa, with online shoppers projected to surpass 518 million by 2025.
Dewing highlights that predictive routing, real-time tracking, and automated documentation systems will transition from experimental projects into standard operational practice, giving early adopters a competitive advantage.
Second cities will become Africa’s new logistics hub
The rise of secondary urban centres is reshaping Africa’s logistics landscape. Cities like Mombasa, Eldoret, Kano, Kumasi, Mwanza, Gqeberha, and Mbeya are increasingly functioning as key nodes in regional trade corridors.
Dewing points out that these cities influence the placement of warehouses, inland transport routes, and digital service points, creating a more distributed and resilient logistics network across the continent.
Sustainability becomes a core operating standard
Sustainability is no longer optional. Carbon reporting, low-emission transport solutions, and energy-efficient operations are becoming standard expectations.
By 2026, logistics providers will be expected to deliver measurable emissions reductions, implement cleaner technologies, and adopt smarter routing to reduce environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.
Policy implementation, not policy creation will be the real test
While frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provide a foundation for integration, Dewing stresses that effective execution is the true challenge. Smooth border procedures, consistent application of rules of origin, and predictable customs clearance are essential to turning policy into tangible logistics improvements.
Africa’s combination of urban growth, digital adoption, and increasing global trade interest positions the continent for significant logistics expansion in 2026. As Dewing concludes, “Africa has an opportunity to redefine its role in global trade, leveraging data-driven insights and practical execution to unlock its full potential.”