Africa Global Logistics (AGL) has announced the launch of an initiative to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to address nagging supply-chain snags across the continent.
The hinterland transport division of Mediterranean Shipping Company says WeGoAfrica will include ‘smart financing’ to assist SMEs with market access.
The initiative comes as welcome news for an entrepreneurial sector that accounts for approximately 90% of all businesses in certain regions, AAE Africa has reported.
According to the site for economic analysis, ‘Afripreneurs’ (African entrepreneurs) generally run entities that “are pivotal in generating employment, fostering innovation, and propelling economic growth”.
But challenges continue to hold back the very people that can unlock Africa’s business potential.
These include limited access to logistics processes, digital tools, high operating costs, and restricted financing options, which in turn impact the potential to scale in pace with market demand, Stat Media Group reports.
WeGoAfrica has six elements driving its intended SME support:
- One Stop Shop: A single digital platform for online quotes, shipment consolidation, route optimisation, and real-time cargo tracking.
- Trust Every Mile: Focuses on reliable first- and last-mile delivery, including access to remote locations via multimodal transport solutions.
- Warehousing Without Barriers: Provides shared, flexible storage options to meet varying capacity needs.
- DocuBridge: Simplifies documentation and administrative processes.
- My LogCoach: Offers direct support from experienced logistics professionals.
- CashBoost: Enables secure payments and access to financing solutions in partnership with SafeTrade.
