63%
expected growth of Africa’s e-commerce market by 2028, reaching over 187 million users and a projected market value of USD 45 billion.
As part of Roadmap 2026, the Market Potential cornerstone focuses on expanding Kuehne+Nagel’s presence in growth areas, such as Asia and Africa. With a land area of over 30 million sq km — enough to fit in the US, China, India, Japan, Mexico, and many European nations combined — Africa offers our customers tremendous business growth opportunities — and raises the need for smart logistics solutions.
The Market Potential cornerstone of Roadmap 2026 detects expansion opportunities for Kuehne+Nagel to invest in customer solutions. Promising examples are growth areas such as Africa. The continent’s population growth and urbanization lead to intensified efforts in infrastructure development thus to an increased need for logistics solutions.
Governments are actively investigating possible investments in rail, roads, ports, and airports. Technology advances allow access to more mature payment and financing means, easing trade and connecting societies to almost instant product delivery options. Furthermore, the e-commerce market in Africa is expected to increase by 63% by 2028, reaching over 187 million users and a projected market value of USD 45 billion. The region’s development makes it a growth opportunity for Kuehne+Nagel.
Many consumers in Africa live in landlocked countries and can often only be reached over land. Kuehne+Nagel has built strategic road logistics corridors that connect major gateways such as Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Mombasa in Kenya with inland trading hubs and can provide customs clearance services to make complex cross-border shipments easy for customers — and with full shipment visibility on eTruckNow. Moreover, Africa’s natural resources, including minerals, oil, and gas provide exploration, extraction, and export opportunities, which Kuehne+Nagel is leveraging in countries like Angola.
expected growth of Africa’s e-commerce market by 2028, reaching over 187 million users and a projected market value of USD 45 billion.
Lee I'Ons
President, the Middle East and Africa
Dubai
To further facilitate growth in Africa, Kuehne+Nagel acquired South African freight forwarder Morgan Cargo, which specialises in transport and handling perishable goods, in 2023. The mild climate and mineral-rich soil provide the right conditions to harvest fruit and vegetables, and agriculture plays a crucial role in many African economies. In line with our expansion plans, we will extend our offering of tailored air and sea logistics solutions for perishables and temperature-sensitive products, such as flowers, fruit, and vegetables.
Africa offers rich cultures and great business prospects. A successful business venture is a blend of diligent market research and an understanding of the local specifics. By strengthening and developing local partnerships with suppliers, we will serve our customers in Africa with an even stronger service.