Compare rates from 10+ carriers across 20 African countries. Includes volumetric weight, customs duty estimates, insurance, and delivery times.
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, UPS, and Aramex 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, but international shipping from Africa remains expensive. Use this calculator to compare all options and find the best value for your specific route and package size.
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.
Volumetric weight is calculated as (Length x Width x Height) / 5000. Carriers charge by actual weight or volumetric weight, whichever is greater. A large but light box (e.g., pillows) may cost more than a small heavy box (e.g., books) because it takes up more space in the vehicle or aircraft.
Yes, most intra-African shipments still attract customs duties unless both countries have preferential tariff agreements under AfCFTA. Duty rates typically range from 5-25% depending on the product category and destination country. Documents and commercial samples are usually exempt.
For domestic Nigerian shipping, GIG Logistics and NIPOST are typically the cheapest options. For international shipments, economy services from Aramex or GIG offer lower rates than DHL/FedEx express, but with longer delivery times (7-14 days vs 3-5 days).
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. Check destination country rules for electronics, medicines, and food items. Carriers like DHL and FedEx have detailed restricted items lists on their websites.