Sourcing for African Markets: What Changes
Africa is one of the fastest-growing destinations for manufactured goods, but importers often discover country-specific requirements only after goods have shipped.
Pre-shipment conformity programmes
Several countries require a certificate of conformity issued before shipment. Without it, goods can be refused or face heavy penalties at the port of entry. Confirm the requirement for your destination before booking freight.
Documentation accuracy
Commercial invoices, packing lists and certificates of origin must match exactly. Small inconsistencies — a different HS code or weight — are a common cause of clearance delays.
Payment and FX
Foreign currency availability can affect when buyers can pay. Structuring orders with deposits, escrow or trade credit helps keep supply moving.
Our team has spent decades working these corridors — talk to us before your first shipment and we’ll flag the requirements for your market.