Kenya and South Africa boost fresh produce export infrastructure

KENYA/SOUTH AFRICA – Kenya and South Africa are stepping up investments in their export infrastructure to keep up with growing international demand for fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Both countries are key players in the fresh produce trade, and recent moves are expected to improve logistics efficiency and product quality.

Emirates expands cargo operations in Kenya

Dubai-based airline Emirates has expanded its cargo operations in Kenya to support the country’s rising exports of perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables. In 2024, the airline transported 16,000 tons of Kenyan produce to destinations in the UAE, Europe, and beyond.

Christophe Leloup, Regional Director and Country Manager for Kenya, said the move aligns with the country’s broader trade goals. “The expansion supports Kenya’s trade ambitions and export growth strategy,” he noted.

The additional cargo capacity will help Kenya’s horticulture and floriculture sectors maintain freshness and reach more markets quickly. Reliable air transport remains vital for exporters who depend on short transit times to preserve product quality.

The development also ties into the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between Kenya and the UAE. The deal aims to strengthen trade relations, improve export competitiveness, and open new routes for Kenyan goods.

Industry analysts expect this partnership to boost export volumes and create more value for farmers and traders.

South Africa prepares for fruit export season

In South Africa, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy visited the Cape Town Container Terminal on Thursday to review readiness for the upcoming deciduous fruit export season.

The export campaign, which includes table grapes, pomegranates, stone fruit, berries, apples, and pears, will run from November 2025 to March 2026. Officials expect a 3 percent rise in export volumes this season.

The Cape Town terminal plays a crucial role in connecting Western Cape fruit producers to global markets. Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), which manages the terminal, has introduced several upgrades to improve operations and reduce turnaround times.

During the 2025–2026 financial year, TPT will invest about R4 billion across terminals in KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape. The Cape Town facility has received 28 new rubber-tyred gantry cranes, nine of which are already operational. Another nine are completing commissioning, while the remaining ten are in assembly.

Oscar Borchards, Managing Executive of Western Cape Terminals, said the improvements mark a major step forward for the industry. “We are approaching this season with confidence following recent investments in new equipment, which we look forward to using this deciduous season,” he said.

The new cranes feature anti-sway technology and hybrid engines that improve efficiency, especially in high-wind conditions. The terminal has also expanded its refrigerated plug points and increased manpower to handle higher reefer container volumes.

Both Kenya’s airfreight expansion and South Africa’s port upgrades show growing attention to logistics infrastructure across Africa’s fresh produce sector. The moves are expected to enhance export reliability and competitiveness in the coming seasons.

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