“So, what were you doing in Kenya?”
The Security Cargo Network (SCN) Regional Meeting in Nairobi brought together minds, businesses, and cultures to shape the future of trade and sustainability in Africa. As SCN’s first step in expanding its footprint on the continent, the event fostered both professional collaboration and meaningful personal connections among new and existing members.
Better Trade with Africa
Trade in Africa presents both challenges and immense opportunities, and this session provided a roadmap for maximizing the latter. SCN members shared experiences and strategies for overcoming logistical barriers, regulatory challenges, and infrastructure limitations, all of which can often complicate trade within the region. Speakers emphasized the importance of regional partnerships, efficient supply chains, and leveraging technology to improve trade routes and customs processes.
Nice words, but did anyone mention corruption and political instability?
Right! These “elephant in the room” may be something to shy away from but was also discussed as an angle that we need to continue to improve on. Ingrained power will not hold back youthful enthusiasm!
Building trust and reliability among logistics providers, suppliers, and clients emerged as a key factor for smoother trade operations. For first-time SCN attendees, this discussion provided valuable insights and an opportunity to contribute their perspectives. The event also sparked new and renewed business collaborations, highlighting the power of face-to-face networking in forging lasting partnership. A special thanks to George B. O. Kidenda and FREDRICK ALOO of KIFWA Ke and @Jacob Bwana of Kenya Airports Authority for their insight
Sustainability: The African Perspective
Sustainability. In the back of everyone’s mind, but not exactly top priority for most businesses yet, maybe especially in Africa. However, the discussion was not just about environmental concerns but also about sustainable business practices that benefit both people and the planet. Africa presents unique sustainability challenges and opportunities, and SCN members explored how awareness as a first step, can be firmly added to logistics company’s agenda – and of course that of their clients.
A special thanks to Olivia Lamenya of the Kühne Foundation for insight into moving forward with awareness in Africa and of course Lee Gipson FCILT of Hybrid Logistics Ltd for giving the European perspective. Thanks also to Agayo Ogambi of Shippers Council of Eastern Africa for giving the cargo owner’s perspective and Elias Baluku from Federation Of East African Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA). There is a long way to go, so let’s get started!
The Power of Personal Connections
Beyond the structured sessions, the true essence of the SCN Regional Meeting lay in the connections formed. Attendees seized this rare opportunity to engage with industry peers in a relaxed yet productive setting, with discussions flowing from meeting rooms to networking dinners. For new SCN members, it was a gateway into a trusted and dynamic network, while long-standing members warmly embraced them, reinforcing SCN’s foundation of trust, shared goals, and mutual success
“How many attendees, being a reduced number, would have preferred to be in a mass meeting in Dubai with 4000 attendees?”
Er….not many!
So what’s next?
Let’s make sure that any shipments you have for Africa, particularly East Africa are handled by our growing and highly competent SCN members in the region. Let us know here at SCN if you have any requests and we’ll get them to the right hands.
As for SCN’s agenda, apart from increased business connections, we also have our eyes on our next Annual conference. Are you joining us?
