Nigerian digital freight forwarder SEND is to establish presence in East and South Africa, to support intra-African trade.
SEND, a Nigerian digital freight forwarder and customs broker, is set to expand its operations to Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa this year. With a focus on enhancing trade logistics within Africa, SEND offers a comprehensive software platform that streamlines supply chain management, including customs clearance and trade financing. The company’s expansion into the largest markets in East and South Africa aims to facilitate the export of agro-commodities and drive intra-African and intercontinental trade.
Entering new markets
Larry Oti, CEO of SEND, revealed the company’s plans to expand its footprint to Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa. The expansion strategy involves establishing a physical presence in each of these countries, capitalizing on their market potential and geographic advantages. In the third quarter of this year, SEND aims to enter Kenya and Uganda, while South Africa will be targeted in the fourth quarter. Oti emphasizes the importance of local partnerships to ensure a seamless entry into these new markets, and discussions are already underway with potential partners in East Africa and South Africa.
“Our expansion into Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa marks an important milestone for SEND. We are committed to empowering trade logistics in Africa and facilitating intra-African and intercontinental trade. By establishing a physical presence in these key markets, we aim to provide seamless and efficient services to our customers while contributing to the economic growth of African countries,” said Oti.
SEND – Empowering African trade logistics
SEND’s vision is to revolutionize Africa’s trade logistics landscape and facilitate seamless supply chain operations across the continent. Founded in 2019, the company has developed a digital freight forwarding and customs brokerage platform, offering a unified solution for businesses to orchestrate their entire supply chain. Maureen Okojie, co-founder and head of commercial at SEND, explains that their digital-led platform empowers customers with advanced features, including instant quotes and bookings, document management, cost transparency, supply chain financing, and carrier payments. By leveraging technology, SEND aims to simplify Africa’s logistics industry, remove regulatory complexities, and enhance visibility and control throughout the supply chain. Okojie previously worked in logistics for over 12 years at MAERSK and had realized that there was an opportunity for an African business to bring together the many parts of a very fragmented and siloed industry.
“SEND’s digital-led platform is designed to simplify Africa’s logistics industry and enable operational excellence. Our goal is to support large corporations and small businesses alike, helping them achieve their operational objectives. By fostering intra-Africa trade and improving logistics capabilities, we aim to reshape the perception of the African logistics industry in the global market,” said Okojie.
Filling the gap in the African logistics industry
Historically, large logistics companies have been financially out of reach for many African businesses. However, digital logistics companies like SEND are bridging this gap by providing accessible and efficient services. SEND, launched in 2020, offers end-to-end management of cargo-shipping processes, including customs clearance, warehousing, and trucking. Clients benefit from real-time tracking and visibility, ensuring seamless monitoring of their shipments. With multiple modes of cargo movement, including air freight, ocean freight, and inland transportation, SEND provides comprehensive logistics solutions tailored to the needs of African businesses.
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