In a major strategic move aimed at supporting intra-trade and consolidating the supporting logistics infrastructure for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), Egytrans Logistics Solutions, a member of the Egytrans NOSCO group and leading integrated platform in transport and supply chain management services, signed a strategic Memorandum of Cooperation with the African E-commerce Platform “eCom Afrika”, Invest-Gate reports.

The alliance focuses on providing integrated, high-efficiency logistics solutions connecting Egyptian exporters with African markets, leveraging the company’s long-standing presence on the continent. The partnership reflects a joint approach to integrating digital commerce with cross-border logistics infrastructure to support the growth of Egyptian exports within Africa.

Growing Importance of Intra-African Trade

Studies by regional trade and development institutions indicate that intra-African trade is witnessing accelerated annual growth driven by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). SMEs represent more than 80% of economic entities on the continent but face logistical challenges that increase market access costs by over 30% in some African countries compared to global markets.

Data from East and West African markets show that demand for cross-border shipping solutions is growing at rates between 12 and 15% annually, with trade concentrated in key markets such as Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Cameroon. These markets serve as regional distribution hubs connecting production and consumption across the continent.

Objectives of the Strategic Cooperation

This cooperation serves as a key strategic pillar for eCom Afrika, combining the platform’s digital leadership with Egytrans’ deep logistical expertise and extensive continental network.

The partnership aims to empower SMEs and remove logistical barriers, improve supply chain efficiency, elevate services offered to Egyptian exporters, and enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian products in African markets in terms of speed, quality, and cost, meeting the requirements of this rapidly growing market.

Statements from Leadership

Mr. Mohamed Halaby, Executive Chairman of eCom Afrika, said, “Our alliance with Egytrans Logistics Solutions translates our strategic vision of building physical and digital bridges connecting the continent’s economies. It embodies true African-African partnership, integrating our digital strength with a rich logistical heritage to serve the most dynamic sector of our economy, namely SMEs.

This is not merely a service agreement but an investment in building the continental competitiveness of the Egyptian economy and our partners in Africa.”

Eng. Ahmed Abdeen, Managing Director and CEO of eCom Afrika, explained, “This partnership is a fundamental step to build the logistical backbone for our intra-African trade.

We recognize that cross-border transport and shipping challenges have been a major obstacle to trade growth, especially for SMEs. Through our collaboration with Egytrans, we provide a logistical lifeline based on a reliable African network, enabling our companies to compete effectively and ensure that their products reach markets with high quality and efficiency.”

Eng. Mohamed Nadim, Managing Director for Commercial Affairs and Operations at Egytrans NOSCO Group, stated, “The significance of this cooperation comes amid ongoing structural transformations in African trade, driven by AfCFTA and the growth of digital commerce.

In response, Egytrans is evolving its business model to align with these changes through a regional logistics platform that supports larger trade volumes and advanced service levels across African markets.”

He further highlighted that consolidating transport, warehousing, and customs clearance within an integrated system can reduce transit time by 25 to 30% and lower total logistics costs by up to 15 to 20%.

These insights reflect significant opportunities for companies operating in intra-African trade when adopting integrated operational models. Nadim emphasized that this step enhances Egytrans’ position as a strategic partner for Egyptian exporters, offering an advanced logistics system built on operational efficiency, risk management, and improved economic returns for intra-trade operations. This initiative aligns with the company’s expansion strategy, including the development of advanced services such as shipment tracking and improving integration between African markets, adding value for clients and consolidating its leadership in the region.

Key Pillars of Strategic Cooperation

The partnership focuses on providing integrated “door-to-door” logistics solutions, including international transport by sea and land, warehousing, packing, and customs clearance, leveraging Egytrans’ extensive network to ensure speed and reliability.
Technological integration is central to the collaboration, with the eCom Afrika digital platform integrated with Egytrans’ smart logistics systems, enabling real-time shipment tracking and ensuring the highest levels of transparency and efficiency for clients.

The cooperation also relies on Egytrans’ expertise in laws and customs regulations across African markets to facilitate operations and ensure compliance, while offering flexible, competitive solutions tailored for SMEs to significantly reduce export costs.

This partnership aligns with national strategic goals to support Egyptian non-petroleum exports and reflects Egypt’s direction to strengthen economic ties with African partners. It leverages Egytrans’ integrated operational capabilities to facilitate intra-African trade, enhance efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and support economic growth while increasing the value of Egyptian investments in African markets.