TRADE, UPGRADED: HOW EAST AFRICA IS TRANSFORMING THE FLOW

Across East Africa, the message is clear: digitize trade or fall behind. AI is rapidly moving into logistics, customs, and payments, promising faster movement of goods, lower costs, and seamless cross-border commerce.

The region is primed for it. With mobile-first infrastructure and a track record of bypassing legacy systems, East Africa is uniquely positioned to scale AI faster than traditional markets.

But beneath the acceleration lies a more uncomfortable question:
Is AI making trade more accessible or just more efficient for those already ahead?

From Bottlenecks to Algorithms

AI is replacing some of the region’s biggest trade frictions with intelligent systems:

• Predictive logistics platforms are optimising routes and reducing delivery timelines
• Smart borders are using AI risk profiling to fast-track compliant shipments
• Automated compliance tools are simplifying cross-border documentation under AfCFTA
• AI-driven payments are accelerating settlements and strengthening fraud detection

On paper, it’s a breakthrough: fewer delays, lower costs, and more predictable trade.

Efficiency for Some and barriers for Others?

Here’s where the narrative shifts.

Large logistics players and global platforms are scaling AI aggressively, backed by infrastructure, capital, and access to advanced tools.

For smaller businesses, the reality is more complex:

• Limited access to advanced AI capabilities
• Heavy reliance on third-party platforms
• Ongoing friction navigating fragmented regulations

Yet, this is also where East Africa’s resilience shows. SMEs are adapting fast, leveraging APIs, mobile tools, and lean AI models to stay in the game.

The result?
A faster trade system but one that risks becoming increasingly uneven.

Kenya: Powering the Shift and Shaping the Stakes

Kenya sits at the centre of this transformation. Nairobi and Mombasa are emerging as hubs where AI, logistics, and trade policy converge.

• AI is being embedded into logistics operations from fleet optimisation to warehouse automation
• Mobile-first systems are accelerating AI adoption across businesses
• Digital trade platforms are lowering entry barriers but also reshaping who controls access

Kenya isn’t just adopting AI in trade, it’s defining how power, access, and opportunity are distributed across the region.

The Real Turning Point

The conversation is no longer about adoption, it’s about control.

• Who owns the platforms powering cross-border trade?
• Who has access to the data driving AI decisions?
• And who gets left behind as systems become more advanced?

If solved right, AI could unlock the most efficient and inclusive trade ecosystem Africa has ever seen.
If not, it could deepen the divide between those who can scale and those who can’t.

Where This Gets Decided

This isn’t theoretical. It’s happening now.

At AI EVERYTHING KENYA from 19–21 May 2026, this debate moves from headlines to real decisions.

From logistics and payments to infrastructure and SME access, leaders will tackle one critical question:
Can AI democratise trade or will it centralise it?

About the Event: AI EVERYTHING KENYA x GITEX KENYA

East Africa’s largest public–private tech and AI platform, powered by GITEX GLOBAL, convenes 10,000+ tech leaders, 500+ startups and enterprises, 100+ investors, and participants from 75+ countries, spotlighting AI, cybersecurity, fintech, cloud, and digital infrastructure.

📍 19–21 May 2026 | Nairobi, Kenya

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