With logistics across Africa facing mounting complexities in 2025, businesses are under increasing pressure to overcome a range of challenges.
From congested ports in South Africa to the difficulties of managing risks in high-volume shipping lanes like the Cape of Good Hope or securing airfreight capacity, companies must find innovative and reliable logistics solutions to remain competitive.
In this prevailing logistics landscape demanding flexibility, control and efficiency, DACHSER is finding solutions to address the challenges head-on – enabling customers to operate with confidence.
African businesses are grappling with several pressing issues in the logistics sector such as worsening port congestion in Cape Town leading to vessel anchorage delays disrupting timetables and pushing up costs. The rerouting of vessels around the Cape of Good Hope adds significant shipping time of up to 10 days. As shippers switch to the skies, increasing airfreight demand is straining available capacity. Further complicating the situation, geopolitical tensions near critical trade corridors such as the Red Sea are creating ongoing risks for maritime traffic.
Compounding these challenges are rising freight rates, driven by a shift in capacity as larger vessels are repurposed for more lucrative global trade lanes, leaving small ships to service Africa. For shippers, these market dynamics translate to tighter margins, reduced operational efficiencies and heightened uncertainty.
A close, transparent partnership with logistics providers is critical.
In a market prone to unpredictability, keeping informed is essential. Within its integrated logistics platform, DACHSER has deployed an enhanced track-and-trace system offering visibility into shipments. This innovation allows businesses to monitor their goods movement with accuracy and make informed logistics decisions.
Being in control of shipment status is crucial in today’s environment. DACHSER’s track-and-trace tools ensure customers are always one step ahead.
It’s vital to quickly analyse costs and lead times across different ports and carriers to find the most suitable arrangements for specific business needs. DACHSER is working with clients to balance transit time and costs – evaluating trade-offs between faster delivery and higher shipping expenses to determine cost-efficient solutions.
To counter rising freight rates caused by limited capacity on certain routes, DACHSER has enhanced its global LCL services, which consolidate multiple small shipments into one larger consignment. This approach allows businesses to optimise their logistics budgets. Additionally, DACHSER has expanded its own consolidations specifically designed to manage time-sensitive cargo.
DACHSER manages block bookings for key trade routes and time-sensitive shipments to ensure customers receive a cost-effective yet reliable service. By refining its already extensive consolidation network, DACHSER is extending access to more affordable shipping solutions without compromising delivery timelines.
The story of airfreight in 2025 centres on demand outpacing capacity, especially as online retail continues its steady growth. To fill this gap, DACHSER leverages its strategic block space agreements with air carriers. These agreements secure much-needed capacity for businesses reliant on airfreight while DACHSER’s consolidation of shipments reduces overall costs.
With airfreight consolidation services backed by efficient block booking systems, DACHSER customers can move critical consignments without delay – even amid volatile market conditions.
Navigating customs procedures is also often a bottleneck in the African logistics chain. By securing top-tier authorised economic operator (AEO) approval from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), DACHSER expedites customs clearance and access to a dedicated SARS channel to resolve issues swiftly.
As an approved AEO service provider, DACHSER not only streamlines border control processes for customers but also guarantees reliability in unpredictable conditions.
Sustaining an efficient supply chain requires constant adaptation and collaboration. By equipping businesses in Africa with robust digital tools, streamlined customs practices and scalable consolidation options, DACHSER effectively addresses immediate and long-term challenges in logistics.
DACHSER is a strategic partner invested in helping customers build resilient supply chains. From enhanced visibility to cost-saving strategies, DACHSER delivers solutions that adapt and evolve in sync with Africa’s dynamic markets.
It is time to take proactive steps towards reliable logistics. Reach out to DACHSER today for comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs.
