Estimate shipping costs within Africa and internationally. Compare rates from DHL, FedEx, GIG Logistics, Sendy, and local carriers.
Shipping within and from Africa has improved dramatically with the growth of e-commerce and logistics startups. Companies like GIG Logistics (Nigeria/Ghana), Sendy (Kenya), and The Courier Guy (South Africa) have made domestic shipping more reliable and affordable. International carriers DHL, FedEx, and UPS maintain strong African networks for cross-border shipments.
The biggest challenges for African shipping remain customs clearance (especially for intra-African trade), infrastructure limitations in rural areas, and the high cost of international shipping compared to other regions. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is gradually reducing trade barriers between African countries, which should lower shipping costs over time.
When shipping from Africa, understanding volumetric weight pricing is essential. Carriers charge by either actual weight or volumetric weight (calculated from package dimensions), whichever is greater. This means a large, lightweight package can cost as much as a small, heavy one. Our calculator factors in both actual and volumetric weight to give you accurate estimates.
For e-commerce businesses in Africa, choosing the right shipping partner can significantly impact customer satisfaction and profit margins. Domestic last-mile delivery is generally affordable (NGN 1,500-5,000 within Lagos, KES 200-500 within Nairobi), but international shipping from Africa remains expensive — expect $30-100+ for a small parcel to Europe or the US via express carriers.
Domestic shipping typically takes 1-3 days for express and 3-7 days for standard within major cities. Intra-African shipping (e.g., Nigeria to Kenya) takes 5-14 days depending on the carrier. International shipping to Europe/US is 3-5 days express or 7-21 days standard.
Restricted items vary by carrier and destination, but generally you cannot ship: perishable food (without special packaging), hazardous materials, firearms, live animals, currency, and some agricultural products. Customs restrictions apply — check destination country rules for electronics, medicines, and food items.