Mr. Edward John Urio, President of the Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association (TAFFA) and Second Vice President of the FEAFFA, was elected Vice President of FIATA during the recently concluded FIATA World Congress 2025 held in Hanoi, Vietnam. His election took place at the Electoral General Meeting on 10 October 2025.
Mr. Urio’s election marks a major milestone for the East African logistics community. With an illustrious career in the freight and logistics sector, his elevation to the global stage came as no surprise to many within the region.
Speaking during the congress, Mr. Urio expressed his gratitude to FIATA for recognizing the growing potential of the East African logistics sector.
“This is a big win for the EAC’s logistics industry because we now have a voice at the global logistics industry table,” he said, adding that he looks forward to working with other like-minded leaders across the world to address long-standing challenges and enhance trade efficiency.
FEAFFA President Mr. Charles Mwebembezi congratulated Mr. Urio on his election, expressing full confidence in his leadership.
“Mr. Urio has what it takes to deliver at FIATA, and we will all support him to achieve his vision,” he affirmed.
Mr. Urio’s election comes at a time when Tanzania’s logistics sector is undergoing significant transformations. The Port of Dar es Salaam for instance, has undergone extensive modernization, including expansion works and the operationalization of new facilities. These developments have enhanced cargo handling, reduced turnaround times, and boosted overall efficiency.
The FIATA World Congress, held from 6th to 10th October 2025 at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi, hosted by the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), brought together over a thousand delegates from more than 100 countries.
Discussions centered on sustainability, digital transformation, and supply chain resilience—key priorities shaping the future of global logistics.
The congress also elected Prof. Thomas Sim of the Singapore Logistics Association as the new president of FIATA, succeeding Mr. Turgut Erkeskin. Prof. Sim, a strong advocate of innovation and technology-driven logistics, has been a regular guest at FEAFFA’s Global Logistics Convention, where he has shared insights to help East Africa strengthen its competitiveness in global trade during the just-concluded GLC in Bujumbura.
Six other FIATA Board members from Africa and the Middle East were also elected.
The newly elected global leadership team unites logistics professionals from across continents to strengthen international freight connectivity and drive innovation in global logistics.
The article was published by Andrew Onionga, the Communications and Advocacy Officer at the Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations (EAFFA), and can be reached via onionga@feaffa.com / oniongaam@gmail.com, Tel: +254733780240.
