Freight Forwarding in Africa
Congested ports that delay cargo for weeks. Customs documentation that changes from one country to the next. Road infrastructure that turns last-mile into a nightmare. Africa is the next great market — and we know how to get there.
The next great market demands logistics that overcome every obstacle
Africa is a continent with 54 countries, each with its own customs regulations, languages, and infrastructure. The AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) is changing the landscape, but operational complexity remains enormous. An expanding middle class, infrastructure boom, and abundant natural resources make Africa a market that cannot be ignored. We connect Africa to global markets through our US-based operations and partner network across every corridor.
Select your destination market
Each country page has its own customs profile, port mix, transit matrix, and partner network details.
South Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa's largest economy
Nigeria
West Africa's largest economy
Egypt
Suez Canal controller, Middle East-Africa bridge
Kenya
East Africa's largest economy, regional hub
Morocco
North Africa's developed economy, Atlantic-Mediterranean bridge
Ghana
West Africa's stable economy, ECOWAS gateway
Tanzania
East-Central Africa's main port, gold exporter
Routes connecting Africa to the world
USA → Africa
Transit: 18–25 days
Destinations: Durban, Lagos, Mombasa, Casablanca
Machinery, equipment, FMCG, technology, vehicles. AGOA preferential for qualifying countries, SARS and NCS compliance.
Europe → Africa
Transit: 10–18 days
Origins: Rotterdam, Antwerp, Le Havre → Lagos, Tema, Durban
Industrial machinery, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, automotive. Historically strong route with colonial connections and preferential agreements.
Asia → Africa
Transit: 20–30 days
Origins: Shanghai, Mumbai → Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Durban
Electronics, textiles, construction materials, consumer goods. China as Africa's largest trading partner with massive infrastructure investments.
Africa → USA
Transit: 18–25 days
Origins: Durban, Lagos, Mombasa → Houston, Newark, Savannah
Minerals, coffee, flowers, cocoa, petroleum, fruits. AGOA certificates of origin, FDA compliance for food products, and CBP clearance.
Coverage across Africa's key markets
South Africa
Ports: Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth
Airports: JNB Johannesburg O.R. Tambo
Key Products: Mining, automotive, wines, fruits, chemicals
Customs: SARS (South African Revenue Service), ITAC licenses, AGOA preferential
Nigeria
Ports: Lagos/Apapa, Tin Can Island, Onne
Airports: LOS Lagos Murtala Muhammed
Key Products: Petroleum, FMCG, construction, agriculture, technology
Customs: NCS (Nigeria Customs Service), SON compliance, Form M for imports
Kenya
Ports: Mombasa
Airports: NBO Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta
Key Products: Flowers, tea, coffee, textiles, horticulture
Customs: KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority), KEBS standards, EAC customs union
Egypt
Ports: Alexandria, Port Said, Damietta
Airports: CAI Cairo International
Key Products: Textiles, chemicals, petroleum, food products, construction
Customs: Egyptian Customs Authority, Suez Canal as strategic hub, preferential agreements
Ghana, Tanzania & Ethiopia
Ports: Tema (GH), Dar es Salaam (TZ)
Airports: ADD Addis Ababa Bole
Key Products: Cocoa, gold (GH), minerals (TZ), coffee, flowers (ET)
Customs: GRA (Ghana), TRA (Tanzania), ERCA (Ethiopia), varied documentation requirements
Morocco, Mozambique & Angola
Ports: Casablanca, Tanger Med (MA), Maputo (MZ), Luanda (AO)
Key Products: Textiles, phosphates (MA), natural gas (MZ), petroleum (AO)
Customs: Varied regional regulations, SADC agreements, and EU-Morocco preferential agreements
Industries that drive Africa
Energy & Mining
South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana: minerals, petroleum, gold, diamonds. Project cargo for mining equipment and platforms.
View industryConstruction
Infrastructure boom across the continent. Steel, cement, heavy equipment, and construction materials.
View industryAgriculture & Food
Kenyan flowers, Ethiopian coffee, Ghanaian cocoa. Cold chain and phytosanitary compliance for export.
View industryFMCG
Expanding middle class creating growing demand for consumer goods. Complex regional distribution.
View industry
Complete logistics solutions for Africa
Ocean Freight
FCL and LCL to Durban, Lagos, Mombasa, Alexandria, and all African ports.
View serviceAir Freight
Express and consolidated via JNB, LOS, NBO, CAI, and ADD.
View serviceCustoms Brokerage
SARS, NCS, KRA, and all African customs. AfCFTA compliance and per-country documentation.
View service
Navigating African customs complexity
AfCFTA — Continental Free Trade
The AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) is creating a single market of 1.3 billion people. Intra-African tariffs are being reduced, but implementation varies by country. We track every change to optimize your costs.
Per-Country Customs — Each with Its Own Rules
Nigeria requires Form M and SON compliance. South Africa requires SARS clearance and ITAC licenses. Kenya requires KEBS certification. Egypt requires specific importer registrations. Each country is its own regulatory universe — we master each one.
AGOA — Preferential US Access
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) offers duty-free US access for qualifying African countries. Correct certificates of origin and AGOA rules compliance can save thousands in tariffs. We ensure your documentation is perfect.
Documentation & Operational Challenges
African ports can have chronic congestion (especially Lagos). Incomplete documentation can result in weeks of demurrage. Road infrastructure varies drastically. We plan every detail to minimize risks and maximize delivery speed.
Regional Import Compliance Checklist
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Frequently asked questions about shipping to Africa
How long does ocean freight to or from Africa take?
Transit varies widely. North Europe to West Africa (Lagos, Tema) runs about 14–25 days. Asia to East and South Africa takes 20–35 days. Morocco to Europe is short — 5–10 days via Tanger Med. Air freight reaches major hubs in 1–5 days. We confirm your lane at quote time.
Which African ports do you cover?
Key gateways include Tanger Med and Casablanca, Durban and Cape Town, Lagos and Tema, and Mombasa. Some inland destinations route through these ports plus road transport. Routing depends on your origin and final destination.
How complex is customs clearance in Africa?
It varies by country and can require extra documentation and lead time. Our customs broker partners manage entry, and we guide you on certificates and pre-shipment inspection where required. Planning ahead reduces border delays.
Can you consolidate exports from African suppliers?
Yes. In markets like Morocco, your suppliers deliver to a partner CFS, where cargo is consolidated under one House Bill of Lading. This is a cost-effective way to combine smaller shipments into a single LCL move.
Which industries do you serve in Africa?
We support agriculture and food exports, textiles and leather, minerals and raw materials, and automotive components. Morocco's automotive and apparel sectors and South Africa's industrial trade are common lanes.
How do I get an Africa shipping quote?
Share origin, destination, cargo, and timeline through our quote form. We reply with options and pricing, typically within a few business hours.
Need African logistics with local customs expertise?
Talk to our team. Custom quote for your African corridors