The East African logistics sector is ripe for disruption. With a growing population and economy, the region is seeing a surge in demand for goods and services. However, the current logistics infrastructure is struggling to keep up with this demand, leading to delays, inefficiencies, and high costs.
A number of startups are emerging to address these challenges. These startups are using technology to streamline supply chains, make it easier for businesses to get their goods to market, and reduce costs. In this article, we will take a look at 12 East African logistics startups that are making a difference.
The startups featured in this article are using a variety of technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase transparency in the supply chain.
AmiTruck
Year Founded: 2018
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Amitruck is a tech-enabled logistics service provider revolutionizing supply chain operations in Africa. The company helps businesses to streamline their logistics processes by connecting them with professional trucking services.
Amitruck operates a user-friendly digital logistics marketplace where cargo owners get matched with the right transporters for their specific needs. The platform evaluates each cargo owner’s needs and then gives them a selection of available logistics professionals who fit the requirements. The platform also uses a transparent bidding process to determine trucking services allocation to cargo owners.
Through its digital competitive bidding process, Amitruck brings trust and transparency to the African logistics sector, ensuring efficient and reliable service for consumers. The company is also implementing technology to transform how businesses manage their delivery operations, ultimately enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain in Africa.
Ridelink
Year Founded: 2017
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Ridelink is a revolutionary Logistics-as-a-Service provider that offers tailor-made supply chain services for businesses in East Africa. The company leverages innovative technology to provide advanced transport solutions for SMEs and Large firms.
Ridelink operates an AI-powered platform serving as a consolidated freight forwarding solution. It leverages machine learning algorithms to efficiently match businesses with the most cost-effective and efficient transportation options for their shipments. In addition, it provides several other transportation and logistics services designed to cater to a diverse set of business requirements.
Ridelink’s platform ensures businesses get the best transportation solution tailored to their needs. Thus, the company provides SMEs access to affordable and reliable transportation solutions, fostering economic growth and job creation within local communities.
Afrigility
Year Founded: 2022
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Afrigility is a tech-oriented warehousing service provider redefining on-demand storage and order fulfillment operations in Africa. The company aims to help businesses manage goods and inventory closer to the end customer by providing them with a network of warehousing facilities.
The company provides multiple innovative warehousing solutions for businesses. It operates an on-demand warehousing and order fulfillment marketplace connecting businesses with storage facilities to safe-keep their items before delivery. In addition, it provides tailored storage, inventory management, and order fulfillment services for its clients.
Afrigility offers a seamless and efficient platform for brands to establish a strong foothold in Africa. Its approach eliminates traditional barriers to entry and allows businesses to access reliable warehousing and logistics services tailored to their specific needs. Through the effects, Afrigility fosters economic growth and job opportunities in Africa.
Leta
Year Founded: 2021
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Leta is a B2B supply chain SaaS provider revolutionizing logistics services delivery for businesses. The company develops systems that optimize fleet management operations, helping logistics companies increase their operational efficiency.
Leta’s digital solution is a logistics operating system. Through it, the company develops tailored supply chain management solutions for clients. The startup also incorporates proprietary route and load optimization technology into its designs, helping businesses to maximize their resources for the best returns.
Leta’s innovation boosts the efficiency of freight transport and good deliveries for its clients’ businesses while reducing their overhead. Thus the company helps logistics companies achieve better results while expending less resources.
Sendy
Year Founded: 2014
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Sendy is an innovative ecommerce and retail logistics services provider redefining supply chain operations in East Africa. The company provides innovative solutions connecting manufacturers, distributors, and e-commerce businesses directly to warehousing, order processing & delivery services.
Sendy operates a digital platform for businesses to request, track, and manage deliveries effortlessly. The company’s solution is aimed at streamlining the entire logistics process for its clients, helping them get their orders flowing smoothly from storage to customers.
With a strong focus on partnering with local drivers and businesses, Sendy demonstrates its dedication to promoting economic growth and empowering local communities. It provides reliable order fulfillment and delivery services for companies helping them satisfy customers better.
Twende Mobility
Year Founded: 2017
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Twende Mobility is a game-changing technology company, revolutionizing logistics and package delivery services across East Africa. The startup provides a one-stop solution simplifying the package delivery process planning, booking, and management.
The company operates Twift, a peer-to-peer mobility solution designed to increase delivery services accessibility and cater to the diverse logistics requirements of cargo owners. The platform connects clients with various transportation options, including order dispatch, order tracking, agent tracking, and customer relationship.
Twende Mobility empowers business owners to find and utilize transport solutions that suit their needs helping them save time, money, and resources. The company’s commitment to increasing logistics accessibility creates a more efficient and user-centric experience in an otherwise fragmented industry.
Senga
Year Founded: 2016
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Senga is a trailblazing technology redefining on-demand delivery operations and road-based haulage services in East Africa. The company specializes in the efficient transportation of goods and freight, providing seamless haulage services for cargo owners.
Staying true to its Motto, “Serving wherever roads are available, Senga provides a suite of transport solutions that cater to a wide array of delivery needs on land. It operates a digital platform that connects package owners and a network of trucks. Package owners only need to place requests for shipping services; the system automatically evaluates their requirements and matches them with the right vehicles.
Senga’s intuitive solution makes it easy for cargo owners to request shipping services and promptly matches them with a network of available trucks. This streamlined approach optimizes the delivery process, ensuring that packages are transported swiftly and reliably. Senga’s offerings reflect its commitment to simplicity, speed, and precision in delivering goods to their intended destinations.
Across Express
Year Founded: 2019
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Across Express is a technology-driven logistics company redefining on-ground supply chain operations in Ethiopia. The startup aims to increase accessibility to logistics services for shippers and individual cargo owners in East Africa. It’s focused on helping shippers move their items safely, efficiently, and affordably.
Across Express operates a cutting-edge web-based platform that revolutionizes freight transportation by seamlessly connecting shippers with carriers and forwarding agents. The platform gives users access to a comprehensive suite of solutions that streamline shippers’ access to quick and efficient delivery services.
Across Express’ solutions contribute to the establishment of a more formalized logistics industry in Ethiopia. In addition, it aids the growth of both local economies and the transport sector as a whole. Moreover, the creation of a transparent and reliable booking system fosters trust and collaboration within the logistics industry, ultimately benefiting carriers, agents, and the broader community.
Apexloads
Year Founded: 2019
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Apexloads is a revolutionary company reimagining freight shipping services in East Africa. Operating a “Uber for trucks” business model, the company matches available freight transporters with cargo owners based on requests.
Apexloads operates a digital load board that connects cargo owners with transporters. The platform streamlines the freight-truck matching process for shippers and facilitates faster payments for transporters. The platform also gives transporters insights into potential loads, helping them select options that meet their requirements.
Apexloads also offers additional services for clients, such as logistics service provider credential verification and profile listing on EACprofile. Thus, it helps transporters skip due diligence hassles and easily get their EAC verifications. Overall, the company not only helps cargo owners access easy and affordable logistics services but also helps transporter improve their operational efficiency and credibility.
Zest Logistics
Year Founded: 2007
Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Zest Logistics is a dynamic and forward-thinking company leading innovative growth in the Rwandan logistics industry. The company leverages digital technology to roll out a wide array of end-to-end supply chain solutions for businesses and SMEs in East Africa.
Zest Logistics’ solutions are aimed at streamlining supply chain management and eliminating unnecessary complexities in logistics. The company provides warehousing, distribution, transportation, and order fulfillment services, all facilitated through both digital and offline
means.
The company also provides businesses with other tools to streamline operations, reduce costs, and exceed customer expectations. Zest Logistics is distinguished by its unwavering commitment to efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction, supporting businesses in reaching their full potential.
ShipRazor
Year Founded: 2022
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Shiprazor is a tech-enabled shipping aggregator revolutionizing the logistics industry through innovative solutions for African businesses. The company empowers small to medium-scale businesses to streamline logistics operations and improve order fulfillment results.
Shiprazor operates a comprehensive shipping aggregation platform designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses. This innovative solution eliminates the complexities associated with coordinating shipping activities by connecting retailers with courier services that are best suited to deliver their packages.
Shiprazor’s platform optimizes delivery operations, enhances cost-effectiveness, and ensures timeliness in order fulfillment. Shiprazor empowers businesses to operate with greater agility and competitiveness in the African market by simplifying the logistics journey and optimizing every stage of the supply chain.
Dafric
Year Founded: 2021
Location Nairobi, Kenya
Dafric is an innovative logistics services provider helping business improve their supply chain activities. It partners with retailers, SMEs, and cargo delivery companies helping them manage their logistics and package delivery operations.
The company operates Harakati, a fleet management system for clients to optimize their fleet operations and make logistics more efficient. It also provides additional services for retailers, small businesses, and individual cargo owners by connecting them with transporters and providing package tracking services.
Dafric is reshaping logistics for its clients by combining supply chain expertise and digital innovation to develop advanced solutions. The company generates positive outcomes for its clients by handling all their transportation needs, allowing them to focus on other crucial aspects of their businesses.
