Over 100 guests attend official opening as YLGM and AGL unveil new freight forwarding powerhouse
A major new logistics player has officially launched in East Africa.
Yusen Logistics Global Management Co., Ltd. (YLGM) and Africa Global Logistics (AGL) have formally unveiled Yusen Africa (East Africa) Limited at an opening ceremony in Nairobi, marking a significant expansion into the region’s fast-growing trade market.
Operating under the brand name Yusen Africa, the new joint venture was officially launched on February 2 (local time), signalling the start of operations across Eastern Africa.
Strong Government and Industry Backing
More than 100 guests attended the ceremony.
Those present included representatives from the Government of Kenya, diplomatic officials, business leaders and senior stakeholders from both companies.
The turnout underlined strong regional confidence in the venture.
Kenya will now serve as the strategic gateway for Yusen Africa’s operations. The hub will support major trade routes including:
The Northern Corridor
The Central Corridor
The Ethiopia–Djibouti Corridor
End-to-End Freight and Logistics Services
Yusen Africa is positioning itself as a leading international freight forwarding and logistics provider in East Africa.
The company will deliver:
International freight forwarding
Multimodal transport
Contract logistics
Customs brokerage
Cold chain solutions
E-commerce logistics
Project logistics
Services are tailored to meet rising demand driven by regional trade growth and infrastructure development.
The venture combines AGL’s established African presence and local expertise with Yusen Logistics’ global supply chain network and advanced digital systems.
Together, they aim to support key sectors including:
Automotive
Healthcare
FMCG
Infrastructure
Industrial projects
Long-Term Commitment to Africa
Hiroyuki Okamoto, President and COO of YLGM, said the launch reflects long-term ambition.
“The launch of Yusen Africa demonstrates our long-term commitment to Africa. 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.”
Eric Melet, CEO International Logistics & Railways at AGL, added:
“We are honoured to inaugurate here in Nairobi the joint venture that will allow us to combine AGL’s expertise in the East Africa Region with the strength of Yusen Logistics for the benefit of our customers. This partnership will enable us to provide more integrated, efficient and high-value logistics solutions, while supporting the region’s economic development.”
International Support
Hiroshi Matsuura, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Kenya, also welcomed the development.
He said strengthening logistics capabilities with Kenya as a regional hub would significantly contribute to East Africa’s wider economic growth and the Indian Ocean–Africa economic region.
The ambassador added that the collaboration between Japan and France aligns with the shared vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
