As the years go by, the dominant logistics networks on the African continent, ALN and ALNA, continue to grow and innovate. This year, Ethiopia was chosen to host the 11th edition of the ALN annual conference and the 6th edition for ALNA. Africa Supply Chain magazine spoke to Marcello Saponaro, the President of both networks, to find out more.

• Q: Another meeting of the ALN and ALNA is planned for Addis Ababa next November. Why did you choose this location?

R : Africa Logistics Network and Airfreight Logistics Network for Africa are committed to rotating meeting locations between Africa and other continents. Every two years, we organize the event outside of Africa. In 2025, it will be Africa's turn, and Ethiopia is one of the most important countries on the continent.

• Q: I remember there was some criticism online about the decision to hold meetings outside of Africa…

R : Yes, but these criticisms came only from people outside our networks. Our members fully understand our goal: to connect the best small and medium-sized African freight forwarders with strong potential partners across the globe. Above all, it is about developing commercial activities together, making Africa known to the world and the world to Africa.

• Q: What innovations can attendees expect from this year's event?

R : We're about to launch dedicated mobile apps, one for ALN in June, followed closely by another for ALNA. Further updates are already in development and will be released in the coming months. We're also automating the creation of "I'm Attending" banners for our events, and other technical improvements are underway.

• Q: New freight transport networks seem to be appearing every day. What is your opinion on the future of these networks, and your own?

A: Networks play a key role in helping small and medium-sized freight forwarders remain competitive in the logistics and shipping industries. But only those who focus on quality, not just collecting dues, can truly deliver value to their members..

And last but not least! Members must understand that no business will be done by simply sitting back and doing nothing. At our events, each attendee can have 50, 60, or even 70 one-on-one meetings and have a wonderful time. Think of the time and money saved: no need to make 50, 60, or even just 10 international trips to meet the same people.

• Q: So face-to-face meetings are still important?

R : Absolutely! They are the basis of trust and the very essence of how any network functions.