Sasi Nair blossoms in logistics
Nair’s transition into logistics saw him take leadership roles in international shipping companies. He became a country head for a shipping line before moving into supply chain management for supermarket businesses, where he handled sourcing products from different parts of the world.
Sasi (second-right) with some of his staff.
As Uganda’s economy continues to grow exponentially, with growing exports, imports, and growing internal markets, experts believe the logistics sector is one of the sectors where highly rewarding economic opportunities are increasingly being created.
For example, about five years ago, the value of Uganda’s exports was about $6b.
Today, Uganda’s exports have greatly grown to over $15b. Uganda is strategically located at the centre of the East African market and can serve as a distribution point for regional trade.
From medicines reaching hospitals, raw materials arriving at factories, agricultural produce accessing international markets, to imported goods reaching consumers, efficient logistics determines the cost, speed and success of trade.
In an interview, Sasi Kumar Nair, managing director of Freight in Time Group Limited, shares his journey from the pharmaceutical industry into logistics, his experience managing regional operations and how he is using his expertise to strengthen cargo movement across Uganda and East Africa.
With decades of experience in pharmaceuticals, shipping, supply chain management and freight forwarding, Nair has built his career around helping companies understand the importance of efficient logistics.
Today, he oversees operations across several East African countries, using his expertise to develop a professional logistics system that supports importers, exporters, manufacturers and farmers.
“Logistics is about reducing costs and connecting Uganda to the world,” Nair said, noting that the sector has enormous opportunities for Ugandans to harness.
From pharmaceuticals to logistics
Nair’s journey in Uganda started in the pharmaceutical sector during a period when the country faced challenges accessing essential medicines. He arrived in Uganda as one of the early pharmaceutical professionals, working to introduce products from India to address health challenges.
“At that time, Uganda needed many medicines. People were suffering because some products were not available. We worked with doctors and introduced medicines for different diseases, including malaria and other conditions,” he recalls.
His work was not limited to business. During the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency in northern Uganda, he participated in humanitarian activities by supporting communities affected by conflict.
However, when pharmaceutical regulations changed and his company decided to withdraw from Uganda, Nair found himself at a crossroads. Having already been handling pharmaceutical logistics, he realised that supply chains were where his future would be.
Building a logistics career
Nair’s transition into logistics saw him take leadership roles in international shipping companies. He became a country head for a shipping line before moving into supply chain management for supermarket businesses, where he handled sourcing products from different parts of the world.
His biggest milestone came when he joined CMA CGM, one of the world’s leading shipping companies.
For about 13 years, he managed operations in Uganda, setting up offices, developing teams, expanding exports and imports, building container handling systems and training employees.
“I started their operations in Kampala, recruited people, built the market and developed systems for imports and exports. I spent many years building capacity,” he explains.
In 2023, Nair joined Freight in Time Group, a regional logistics company operating across East Africa. He joined at a time when the company needed restructuring and growth.
“My task was to revive the company. I worked on strengthening operations, improving services and building systems. After successfully doing that, I became managing director of the group,” he says.
Today, he oversees operations across countries including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan and Zambia.o
Logistics transformation
According to Nair, many Ugandan businesses lose money because they lack adequate knowledge about international logistics. He explains that understanding shipping terms, negotiating with shipping lines and managing cargo movement can significantly reduce costs.
For example, when an importer brings a container from Europe through Mombasa, he says poor planning can lead to additional charges.
He says Freight in Time helps businesses make better decisions by advising them on the most efficient routes, documentation and transportation options.
One of Nair’s priorities as a manager has been developing Ugandan professionals in logistics. He believes that the sector requires skilled people who understand international trade systems.
“I share my knowledge with local employees. My aim is to train people so they can understand how to handle shipments professionally,” he elucidates.
He has introduced training programmes within the company to improve employees’ knowledge of freight forwarding, customs procedures and supply chain management. According to Nair, logistics offers opportunities for young people because it does not always require huge capital investment.
“Young people can learn logistics, gain experience and build careers. It is a sector with many opportunities,” he states.
Intergradated
Freight in Time provides a range of services, including clearing and forwarding, warehousing, transportation and international cargo movement. Nair says the company has warehouses where clients can store goods before distribution.
“If a customer brings goods and does not have storage facilities, we can keep them in our warehouses and deliver when needed,” he explains.
The company also operates trucks connecting Uganda with regional trade routes, while working with international partners to move cargo from overseas markets.
“Our network allows us to move cargo from different parts of the world to Uganda and from Uganda to international markets,” he says.
Trade backbone
Nair believes no economy can grow without efficient logistics. “Logistics is the backbone of trade because no country produces everything it needs. Uganda depends on goods coming from different parts of the world,” he says.
He explains that manufacturers need reliable supply chains to maintain production.
“If a company invests millions of dollars in manufacturing but does not plan its raw materials properly, production can stop. Good logistics planning protects businesses,” he argues.