Investment clubs in Zambia should Invest in Startups solving the decades-long challenge of moving goods around in Zambia/Africa
Tech-enabled freight and delivery services are attracting attention from investors. Where does a freight truck go after it delivers its cargo? In much of the world, logistics companies use technology to match available vehicles with shippers that need to move goods, ensuring that every mile is paid for. But automating freight management has been difficult in Africa, where drivers are typically solo operators scheduling their own jobs. The process regularly results in “empty runs” – trucks with no cargo for the return route, forcing drivers to idle for days. That’s part of what makes logistics costs in Africa almost double that of North America, according to data from supply chain firm Armstrong & Associates. The high price holds back trade and raises costs for consumers, making basic necessities like diapers, soap, and food unaffordable for many. Africa’s supply chain is broken . But technology created by African e-logistics companies is beginning to patch the sup...