Africa Global Logistics (AGL), a major player in the African logistics sector, has launched its inaugural cohort of startups in a strategic bid to drive technological innovation across the continent’s logistics and industrial sectors. The initiative is part of AGL’s ‘Accelerate’ program, an open innovation scheme designed to accelerate the growth of African startups, or those focused on Africa, by leveraging technology to address the specific challenges within logistics and related industries.
Africa Global Logistics, which operates as Africa’s leading multimodal logistics operator spanning port, logistics, maritime, and rail operations, is now part of the MSC Group. Through its wide network across 47 African countries and beyond, AGL aims to be at the forefront of technological transformations in the continent’s logistics space. The Accelerate program, launched at AGL’s Yiri Innovation Center in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, showcases AGL’s long-term commitment to boosting local entrepreneurial ecosystems and fostering innovation that addresses Africa’s logistical complexities.
A Targeted Push for Logistics Tech Innovation
AGL’s decision to launch Accelerate follows a June call for startup applications that received 91 submissions. After a rigorous evaluation process, six startups were selected for the first cohort, each representing diverse solutions aimed at overhauling logistics operations in Africa. These startups span a range of innovations, from last-mile delivery systems to maritime transport optimization and legal compliance tech.
The six selected companies are:
- Paps (Senegal): A last-mile logistics company seeking to become the leading distribution network in West Africa. Paps currently operates in Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin, with ambitions to expand its comprehensive logistics solution internationally.
- Appload (Mozambique): A digital marketplace that connects companies requiring freight transport with truckers, streamlining the freight transport process across Southern Africa.
- Eazy Chain (Togo): Specializes in improving connections between secondary and major ports in West Africa via smaller collection vessels, offering sustainable and efficient maritime transport while minimizing costs and environmental impacts.
- Tambour (Côte d’Ivoire): Initially a laundry service app, Tambour is now evolving into a platform for professional laundry services aimed at optimizing efficiency and sustainability in the industry.
- ALAL (Senegal): Provides an intelligent fuel management solution using QR code technology to streamline fuel transactions at service stations, enhancing operational efficiency in the energy sector.
- Alia (Côte d’Ivoire): Offers an intelligent legal assistant platform that simplifies access to laws and regulations for African companies. Its focus is on improving compliance and reducing legal risks, particularly for logistics and transport firms.
These start-ups will receive tailored support from AGL’s experts, with clear milestones set throughout the program, including a mid-point Pitch Day where their progress will be evaluated.
A Strategic Play for Africa’s Logistics Future
AGL’s investment in fostering logistics tech start-ups underscores its strategic intent to dominate the technological transformation of the African logistics space. “With the Accelerate program, we aim to co-create the future of logistics and transport in Africa. Our goal is not just to develop high-performing tech solutions for the continent but also to nurture local champions capable of tackling Africa’s unique challenges while supporting economic transformation through innovation,” said Stéphane Collet-Manent, AGL’s Chief Information Officer.
The program aligns with AGL’s broader strategy of enhancing Africa’s economic growth through sustainable and innovative solutions. By backing start-ups that focus on improving the movement of goods, reducing environmental impacts, and providing essential services, AGL seeks to position itself as a key driver of Africa’s logistics modernization.
AGL’s Accelerate program is a reflection of Africa’s growing emphasis on utilizing technology to solve deeply rooted logistical and industrial challenges. While the continent’s logistics infrastructure has long been seen as an impediment to economic growth, initiatives like Accelerate offer a way to turn these challenges into opportunities for technological innovation.
By supporting solutions that address the complex nature of Africa’s logistics environment — whether it’s last-mile delivery, fuel management, or compliance with local regulations — AGL is not only positioning itself at the heart of the continent’s logistics transformation but also contributing to Africa’s broader development goals. These include improving trade efficiency, reducing carbon footprints, and expanding access to essential services.
Through its Yiri Innovation Center, Africa Global Logistics provides an environment for young people, students, and start-ups to engage in creative exploration and the development of innovative ideas. This center is integral to AGL’s vision of stimulating Africa’s digital transformation in logistics, serving as a hub for collaborative problem-solving in the industry.
AGL’s Accelerate program highlights the increasing importance of technology in tackling Africa’s logistical challenges. As the selected startups work to transform logistics operations, AGL is reinforcing its role as a key player in the continent’s economic and technological evolution. By investing in and co-creating solutions with African innovators, AGL is positioning itself not just as a logistics provider but as a catalyst for Africa’s future growth in logistics tech.
This strategic move signals a shift in how African logistics companies are approaching growth — focusing on homegrown solutions and fostering an innovation ecosystem that can lead to long-term sustainability and competitiveness across the continent.