DP World Leaders Announced as Keynote Speakers at GCCA Africa Cold Chain Conference

Two leaders at global logistics pioneer DP World have been announced as keynote speakers for the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) Africa Cold Chain Conference in Johannesburg, taking place September 2-3, 2026.

DP World operates in every continent of the globe, employing more than 126,000 people from 169 nationalities, powering international trade through a range of solutions including cold chain logistics across ocean, air, road and rail. William Sears, Chief Commercial Officer Logistics for Africa at DP World; and Mohammed Mahomedy, Head of Infrastructure and Rail for Africa at DP World, will take to the conference main stage on September 3 to share their insights into DP World’s approach to integrated logistics at scale in practice.

• William Sears has over 20 years’ experience in logistics and supply chain optimisation across a range of industries and disciplines. Having joined South African logistics business Imperial in 2010, he was appointed to DP World leadership following Imperial’s acquisition by the global business in 2022.
• Mohammed Mahomedy leads DP World’s development of the company’s rail and ports integration strategy across the African continent. He is responsible for identifying strategic opportunities that support the expansion of DP World’s presence across the broader logistics value chain in line with its long-term objectives in Africa.

The GCCA Africa Cold Chain Conference will bring together temperature-controlled logistics businesses and partners from across the continent to examine the industry’s most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities, exploring the theme of ‘It’s Time for Dialogue: Exploring Progress, Priorities, and Partnerships’. The event includes an outstanding program of renowned speakers, panel discussions, networking receptions and a high-quality exhibition. Find out more and register at www.gcca.org/events/gcca-african-cold-chain-conference.

GCCA Senior Vice President Global Market Engagement Adam Thocher said: “I am delighted that DP World’s William Sears and Mohammed Mahomedy will be sharing their insights and experiences on the crucial topic of integrated logistics at scale as the keynote speakers at the 2026 GCCA African Cold Chain Conference. Temperature-controlled logistics operations are expanding throughout the continent: connecting Africa’s cold chain and investing in associated infrastructure will be fundamental to Africa’s future food resilience and global trade opportunities. The GCCA conference is creating a unique forum for cold chain operators and partners to discuss the food supply chain’s challenges and opportunities at national and global levels.”

The two DP World leaders will be joining an outstanding line-up of expert speakers at the conference, including:

• Brent Melvin (General Manager RSA Logistics Dubai) sharing experiences of the cold chain’s response to extreme disruption in the Middle East
• Dr. John Deng Diar Diing (Executive Secretary of the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority), discussing regional corridors as catalysts for intra-African trade
• Dr. Newton Matope (CEO of Cold Solutions Kenya and GCCA Africa Chairman), exploring the temperature-controlled logistics industry in the continent, and
• Sara Stickler (President & CEO, GCCA) and Adam Thocher (Senior Vice President, Global Market Engagement, GCCA) on GCCA’s priorities and action in Africa.

Find out more about the conference at www.gcca.org/events/gcca-african-cold-chain-conference/

About GCCA  

The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) advances the global temperature-controlled supply chain by championing safety, building trust, and driving sustainability, resiliency, and operational excellence across every link of the cold chain. Learn more at  www.gcca.org   

For media inquiries please contact Lindsay Shelton-Gross, SVP, Global Communications, Marketing, and Strategic Initiatives, GCCA at lsheltongross@gcca.org