Why Africa Must Prioritise Alternative Logistics for Intercontinental and Inter-African Trade
Africa’s landlocked nations, such as Mali, Niger, Zambia, Botswana, and Uganda, depend heavily on neighbouring coastal countries for access to international markets. This reliance inflates costs, extends delivery times, and complicates trade negotiations. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), transport costs in Africa are 63% higher than in developed regions, largely due to inadequate infrastructure.