Trade logistics is an important aspect of international trade and contributes significantly to economic development. Africa is a developing continent with a rapidly growing economy and population. As a result, trade logistics has grown in importance for African countries.
Where global trade is a key driver of economic growth in Africa, the efficiency and reliability of a country’s trade logistics are critical to its international success. Several nations on the large and diverse African continent have achieved great progress in improving their logistics systems, positioning themselves as leaders in the sector.
According to the World Bank, trade logistics in the global economy report. We have highlighted the African countries that have demonstrated outstanding proficiency in customs procedures, infrastructure quality, international shipments, logistics competence, timeliness, and tracking and tracing.
Here are Africa’s top 10 trade logistics performers, as ranked by their logistics performance index (LPI).
South Africa – LPI Score: 3.7
South Africa tops the list, this country outperforms in the following categories, customs procedures (3.3), infrastructure (3.6), international shipments (3.6), logistics competence and quality (3.8), timeliness (3.8), and tracking and tracing (3.8). It stands out as the continent’s logistics giant in Africa, strategically positioned to facilitate global trade.
Egypt – LPI Score: 3.1
Egypt takes second place, with key features including effective customs procedures (2.8), robust international shipments (3.2), infrastructure (3.0), logistics competence and quality (2.9), timeliness (3.6), and tracking and tracing (2.9). Its strategic location at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East adds to its trade logistics prominence.
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Namibia – LPI Score: 2.9
Namibia is ranked third, with consistent performance in customs procedures (2.8), infrastructure quality (2.8), international shipments (3.0), logistics competence and quality (2.9), timeliness (2.9), and tracking and tracing (2.8). Its efficient logistics infrastructure improves its regional trade capacities.
Rwanda – LPI Score: 2.8
Rwanda is ranked fourth on the list, having achieved notable progress in improving logistics competence and quality (3.0), timeliness (3.1), customs (2.5), infrastructure (2.9), international shipments (2.4), and tracking and tracing (3.0). Rwanda’s dedication to efficient logistics strengthens its position as an emerging East African commerce hub.
Djibouti – LPI Score: 2.7
Djibouti is ranked fifth. It distinguishes itself with exceptional performance in timeliness (3.6) and tracking and tracing (2.7), customs score (2.6), infrastructure score (2.3), international shipments (2.5), and logistics competence and quality (2.8).The nation’s strategic location along the Bab-el-Mandeb strait positions it as a key transit point for international trade.
Congo, Republic – LPI Score: 2.6
The Republic of the Congo ranks sixth, with its strong customs score (2.3), logistics competence and quality (2.9), and overall timeliness score (2.9), tracking and tracing (2.7), infrastructure score (2.1), and international shipments score (2.6). The country’s potential as a trading hub for Central Africa is clear.
Guinea-Bissau – LPI Score: 2.6
Guinea-Bissau is ranked seventh, and its efficient customs score (2.7) and strong international shipments (2.9) highlight the country’s significance in enabling economic movements within the West African area. Logistics competence and quality (2.9) improve overall logistics performance, as do timeliness (2.4), tracking and tracing (2.3), and infrastructure (2.4).
Mali – LPI Score: 2.6
Mali is ranked seventh; the country excels in logistics competence and quality (2.5), as well as timeliness (3.1), adding to its vital role in regional trade dynamics. Customs (2.6), resilient international shipment (2.6), tracking and tracing (2.7), infrastructure (2.0).
Nigeria – LPI Score: 2.6
Nigeria takes the ninth spot, while there is space for development in customs (2.4) and infrastructure (2.4), Nigeria shines in punctuality (3.1) and tracking and tracing (2.7), logistics competence and quality (2.3), and international shipments (2.5). Its large market and substantial trade volumes make it an important player in the African trade environment.
Algeria – LPI Score: 2.5
Algeria rounds out the top ten. It excels in international shipments (3.0), but challenges in customs (2.3), infrastructure quality (2.1), timeliness (2.6), tracking and tracing (2.5), logistics competence and quality (2.2). Its presence in the top ten positions it as a potential gateway to North Africa and the Mediterranean.
