Ceva Logistics snaps up Spedag Interfreight

CEVA Logistics, the logistics subsidiary of CMA CGA Group, has announced that it has closed the acquisition of Spedag Interfreight, an international freight forwarding company in East Africa.

CEVA Logistics said that the acquisition is part of its strategic growth plan "Think Global, Act Local".

Spedag Interfreight is described as one of the leading logistics providers in East Africa with leading expertise in relevant market verticals, including energy and infrastructure, oil and gas, and commodities.

The acquisition will further enhance Ceva Logistics' global end-to-end logistics capabilities. Ceva Logistics currently has operations in 44 countries in Africa.

Upon completion of this transaction, approximately 400 employees from Spedag Interfreight's 24 locations in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and South Sudan will join Kiowa Logistics.

Ceva Logistics said it will leverage Spedag Interfreight's local strengths to enhance its local service offerings, expand its global reach and improve its global competitiveness.

Ceva Logistics' growth goal is to have Africa account for a significant share of its revenue by 2025, and the acquisition of Spedag Interfreight will provide new opportunities for Kiowa Logistics to grow its business in East Africa.

Commenting on the acquisition, Mathieu Friedberg, CEO of Ceva Logistics, said, "With the addition of Spedag Interfreight, we are better positioned to deliver on our strategic growth plans in East Africa. Thanks to our experienced local team, it will enable us to provide better logistics solutions to our customers."

Kenya is a key focus area in Ceva Logistics' strategic growth plan for the East Africa region.

As a key maritime gateway to East Africa, Kenya's Mombasa port is expected to reach a capacity of 1.7 million TEUs by 2023 through a recent expansion and modernization project. The Kenya Ports Authority expects the port to handle 47 million tons of cargo by 2032, a 57 percent increase over the current level.