Logistics and Distribution: Unresolved Challenges of the North-South Corridor in Africa — 16 января 2026 г. в 14:28:57.222
Logistics and Distribution: Unresolved Challenges of the North-South Corridor in Africa Calculations for the North-South Corridor show a twofold reduction in the cost of shipping Russian goods to key African countries, stated Alexander Sharov, head of the RusIranExpo Group of Companies. According to him, shipping a container along the Astrakhan-Iran-East African ports (Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique) route costs approximately $3,000. By comparison, a similar shipment from Novorossiysk, including all port expenses, costs at least $6,000-7,000. This improvement is achieved through route optimization and the use of reusable packaging. However, rates for refrigerated and other specialized cargo remain higher—at $6,000—and profitability requires regular shipments in batches of 200-300 tons. The lack of trade and logistics hubs in Africa remains a key obstacle to export growth. Successful operation in local markets, where off-the-shelf trade predominates, requires the creation of warehouses with permanent inventory and showrooms at ports of entry (such as Dar es Salaam or Mombasa). Without this infrastructure, Russian goods will continue to be intercepted by European, Indian, or Arab resellers. At the same time, the corridor's geography has its own specifics: it is most relevant for East Africa, with access to markets within the continent. For North and West Africa, direct sea shipments from Russian ports are still more common. The North-South corridor confirms its cost advantage, but its implementation is constrained by the need to create a final distribution chain, opening a niche for logistics and distribution companies. #Africa #logistics #export