Africas trade role is expanding, powered by fresh investment, industrial growth and stronger consumer markets. New corridors, port upgrades and digital platforms are quickly strengthening the regions role in global freight networks. Recognising this momentum, SACO Shipping has been steadily expanding its African presence, opening its seventh West African office in Mauritania in October this year. The company now operates across 11 countries on the continent, supported by full representation throughout Africa, said Michelle Horner, trade and WWA manager At SACO Shipping. Africa is a diverse continent, with markets that often have complex logistics and trade requirements, sometimes compounded by long distances and infrastructure challenges. Through our extensive network of offices and partners, we provide clients with on-the-ground knowledge and deep regional insight, ensuring efficient cargo movement across the continent. SACO South Africa has also broadened its service offering through Durban, positioning the port as a strategic gateway into Africa. The Durban gateway enables seamless handling of both LCL and FCL cargo, supported by strong last-mile capabilities to meet rising trade volumes and increasingly demanding delivery timelines, said Horner. However, opportunities come with real-world challenges. Reliable service providers remain essential, yet difficult to secure in certain markets, and high transport costs continue to weigh heavily on supply chains, Horner told Freight News. Infrastructure gaps from road networks to border efficiency also create friction that can slow cargo flows and increase costs. That said, the continent is firmly on a modernisation trajectory. Investments can be seen in transport networks, the development and expansion of port terminals, as well as road upgrades aimed at strengthening last-mile delivery and improving transit times, she said, indicating that as these initiatives progressed, greater fluidity was being unlocked across African trade corridors, building the foundations for more efficient, resilient supply chains. Infrastructure development across Africa is critical to improving trade and ensuring the efficient movement of cargo, she said. For our ocean services, the improvement and expansion of ports and terminals in various regions is already showing results. Were seeing faster carrier transit times and reduced container turnaround times, which translate into greater efficiency across the supply chain. African terminals are, however, not without challenges. But there is a growing awareness of the need for improved efficiency, and this is driving meaningful action. Port congestion and delays are being addressed, and in many markets we are starting to see positive progress. Digitalisation at border posts and improvements in road infrastructure are also enhancing the efficiency of consolidated road freight services. Border crossings can result in unnecessary delays and high costs for both cargo owners and transporters, said Horner. Positive developments in these areas bode well for more efficient cargo handling and smoother cross-border movement. With global supply chains placing increasing focus on African trade lanes, the outlook for the continent remains positive. LV
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The countrys ports and bonded warehouses are key to enabling illicit trade flows of drugs, arms and counterfeit goods.
