Top 20 Logistics Tech Startups Solving the Transportation Hurdles in Africa

In Summary

• The logistics market in Africa is expected to reach a value of $447.24 billion by 2029 with a projected annual growth rate of 1.83%.
• As of 2020, the total amount spent on logistics in Africa was recorded at $344.2 billion, with Nigeria alone contributing a significant portion of this figure. 
• The exponential growth experienced in the African logistics industry is largely driven by the rise of e-commerce and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Deep Dive!!

Africa is one of the biggest hubs of technological innovations globally and despite the challenges of poor infrastructure, inefficient processes, and high costs facing the logistics industry, several startups are emerging to address these challenges and streamline supply chain operations in the continent.

​These startups leverage technology to enhance supply chain operations by boosting efficiency, cutting costs, and fostering transparency. They facilitate connections between businesses and suitable logistics partners, enable real-time shipment tracking, and introduce innovative financing solutions.

According to available data, the African logistics market is expected to reach a value of $447.24 billion by 2029, with a projected annual growth rate of 1.83%, highlighting the potential for significant growth in the sector; container port traffic in Africa is also forecast to reach 135.72 million TEU by 2025, indicating increasing trade activity across the continent.

The total logistics cost in Africa was recorded at $344.2 billion in 2020, with Nigeria alone contributing a significant portion of this figure. The rapid growth experienced in the logistics industry in Africa is largely driven by the rise of e-commerce and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Increasing adoption of technology like route optimization and demand forecasting has contributed immensely to the transformation of the logistics landscape in Africa.

Below, we have highlighted the top 20 logistics tech startups bridging the gap and providing solutions to the numerous challenges experienced in the sector. Check them out!

Check Out the Top 20 Logistics Tech Startups Solving the Transportation Hurdles in Africa

Note: The list is in no particular order

1. Zipline—Rwanda: Zipline is a Rwandan startup that delivers medical supplies using automated drones. It is on a mission to build the world's first logistics system that serves all people equally. With operations in eight countries across four continents, Zipline was founded by Keller Rinaudo and Keenan Wyrobek in 2014 and has received $483,000,000 in Series E funding.
2. Glovo—Kenya: Glovo is a courier service that purchases, picks up, and delivers products ordered through its mobile application. The startup was founded in 2014 by Oscar Pierre, he launched in 2015 with Sacha Michaud following an initial round of funding. He has received $336,000,000 after Series F funding.
3. Sokowatch—Kenya: Wasoko (formerly Sokowatch) is transforming communities across Africa by revolutionizing access to essential goods and services. The startup was founded by Daniel Yu, an entrepreneur from California who is now based in Zanzibar. In 2013, it raised $143,600,000 after a Series B funding round.
4. MAX.NG—Nigeria: MAX (Metro Africa Express) is trying to fix Africa’s notorious last-mile delivery and online retail problems. Adetayo Bamiduro and Chinedu Azodoh founded MAX.NG in 2015, and has received $64,200,000 in Venture Capital.
5. Lori Systems—Kenya: Lori has built a logistics platform that is revolutionising the cargo-transport value chain in Africa – from the ground up. The startup was founded by Josh Sandler, Jean-Claude Homawoo, and Ernest Gichini Ngaruiya in 2016. It has received $ 44,450,000 in Series B funding.
6. Kobo360—Nigeria: Kobo360, is a privately owned, pan-African technology company disrupting and leading the African third-party logistics industry. Based in Lagos state, Kobo360 was founded by Obi Ozor and Ife Oyedele II in 2017. It has received Series A funding for $37,320,000.
7. Zeelo—South Africa: Zeelo is a South African startup providing highly efficient transportation for commuting and school runs. It was founded by Sam Ryan and Daniel Ruiz Giménez in 2023 and has received Series A funding worth $ 33,600,000.
8. WhereIsMyTransport—South Africa: WhereIsMyTransport is a big data platform for sustainable mobility in emerging markets; empowering people everywhere to get where they want to go. It was founded by Devin de Vries in 2015 and has received $28,000,000 in Series A funding.
9. Sendy—Kenya: Sendy is an online platform for package and cargo delivery. It was founded by Meshack Alloys, Evanson Biwott, Don Okoth, and Malaika Judd in 2014. It has received $27,500,000 in Venture Capital funding.
10. TruQ—Nigeria: TruQ is a leading technology company facilitating seamless logistics delivery in West Africa. The startup utilizes digital technology to connect anyone with moving needs to the closest available vehicle. It was founded in 2019 by Williams Fatayo and Foluso Ojo and has received a total funding of about $220,000 in funding.
11. Jetstream Africa—Ghana: Founded in 2018, Jetstream Africa is a leading supply chain services provider redefining logistics management and coordination. The company leverages digital innovation to enable Africans to quickly finance, manage and monitor their regional supply chains. It was founded by Miishe Addy and Solomon Torgbor, and they have raised $13 million in funding through a combination of debt and equity in a pre-Series A round.
12. OnePort 365—Nigeria: Founded in 2019, OnePort 365 is a B2B digital freight forwarding company driving innovative improvements in logistics operations across Nigeria. The company provides optimal freight solutions to traders helping them meet their supply requirements in due time. It was founded by Akhiome (Hio) Sola-Usidame and they have raised $5 million in funding, which was secured in a seed round.
13. Terminal—Nigeria: Founded in 2021, Terminal is an innovative software company that simplifies global shipping and product delivery for individuals across Africa. The company is dedicated to bridging geographical gaps and overcoming logistical challenges to help Africans seamlessly engage in international trade and commerce. It was founded by Nnamdi and Udi Okoh, and they have received $3.1 million in funding to date.
14. Paps—Senegal: Paps is a technology-driven transportation company redefining logistics operations with its end-to-end services. The company stands as a dynamic and versatile logistics partner, offering comprehensive solutions tailored to businesses operating in both traditional offline and modern online spaces. It was founded by Bamba Lô and Rokhaya Sy in 2016, and they have raised a total of $4.5 million in funding, which was secured in a Series A round.
15. Haul247—Nigeria: Founded in 2020, Haul247 is a revolutionary logistics company bridging the gap between businesses and essential haulage and warehousing assets within a unified ecosystem. The company stands at the forefront of innovation with its revolutionary end-to-end logistics tech PaaS platform. It was founded by Sehinde Afolayan, Tobi Obasa, and Akindele Phillips. According to available information, Haul247 has raised a total of $3 million in funding. This was secured through a seed funding round.
16. Yobante Express—Senegal: Founded in 2018, Yobante Express is a leading logistics technology company redefining cargo transportation and parcel delivery in Africa. The company operates a dynamic network of relay points to efficiently transport cargo from one point to another until it reaches its final destination. Oumar Basse is the co-founder and CEO of Yobante Express, and the startup has raised $1.2M in its latest funding round, which was a Seed round held on Sep 28, 2021.
17. MVX—Nigeria: Founded in 2019, MVX is a digital freight forwarding company leveraging innovative solutions to connect businesses to air and sea freight transport services globally. The company goes the extra mile, transcending traditional barriers to help businesses efficiently navigate the complexities of international shipping. It was founded by Tonye Membere-Otaji and Tobi Amusan, and they have raised a total of $1.3 million in seed funding.
18. Chargel—Senegal: Founded in 2021, Chargel is an innovative logistics operations facilitator driving transformative change in trucking operations and service delivery. The company helps trucking companies digitize their operations when moving from traditional offline operations to online service delivery. Moustapha Ndoye and Alioune Ndoye are the founders of Chargel, and they have raised $2.5 million in seed funding.
19. Figorr—Nigeria: Founded in 2017, Figorr, formerly known as Grid, is an Internet of Things company facilitating the last-mile delivery of temperature-controlled products. The company provides cold chain solutions to ensure that perishable agricultural outputs, vaccines, and other temperature-sensitive health care items such as insulin reach end users in optimal condition. Oghenetega Iortim, also known as Tega Iortim, founded Figorr, and the startup has received $1.5 million in seed funding. This funding round was led by Atlantica Ventures, with participation from Vested World, Jaza Rift Ventures, and Katapult VC.
20. Fez Delivery—Nigeria: Founded in 2020, Fez Delivery is a technology-driven company that’s improving accessibility to last-mile logistics services for businesses in Africa. The startup aims to create a synergy within the highly fragmented delivery ecosystem in Nigeria through innovation and technology. Seun Alley and Femi Jose founded Fez Delivery and they have raised a total of $1 million in seed funding. This funding round was led by Ventures Platform, with participation from Voltron Capital and Acasia Ventures.