# M. Addy-Asare, R. Nkubito, B. Lô, S. Sulyman: Logistics, the Rails for Commerce l Africa/Week 2025 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N7tjMMark0 Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/6N7tjMMark0 Generated: 2026-02-06T23:36:10.908+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The panel discussion at Norrsken Africa/Week 2025 focused on overcoming logistical and operational challenges in African commerce, particularly highlighting the need for better intra-African trade infrastructure, digitalization, and tailored solutions for local markets rather than relying solely on Western models. **Key Points:** - Intra-African trade currently accounts for only 16% of Africa's total trade, indicating a massive opportunity for growth. - The panel discussed the necessity of building infrastructure, such as integrated logistics platforms, to facilitate cross-border trade across the continent. - Digitalization and creating standardized, user-friendly tools (like digital customs/compliance systems) are key to unlocking this trade potential. - The speaker from Tallstack, who specializes in talent management software, noted that their business is now exporting services to the US and that they are actively hiring. - Roger Nkubito of Agil highlighted that their company manages customs and logistics across 49 African countries and operates 23 sea ports, emphasizing the scale of pan-African logistics. - The importance of financing for SMEs and ensuring that financial products are tailored to local realities (e.g., 90-day payment cycles for farmers) was stressed. - A recurring theme was the need to move away from relying on Western models and focus on building African-centric solutions for problems like cold chain logistics and customs. ![Screenshot at 00:09: A speaker, likely from DigitalStack, discusses the need to build infrastructure to enable commerce across Africa, referencing the low percentage of intra-African trade.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/6N7tjMMark0/00-00-09.jpg) **Context:** This segment features a panel discussion from the Norrsken Africa/Week 2025 event, involving several key figures in African logistics, e-commerce, and finance: M. Addy-Asare (DigitalStack), Roger Nkubito (AGL), B. Lô (Pubs/Bamba), and S. Sulyman (Jetstream). The discussion centers on the significant challenges and opportunities within African logistics and commerce, particularly focusing on improving intra-African trade, overcoming infrastructural deficits, and leveraging technology to create scalable, localized solutions. ## Detailed Analysis The panel addressed the major hurdles facing African commerce, specifically noting that intra-African trade is only 16% of the total, with EU trade being much higher at 62%. The primary challenges identified were infrastructural deficits, non-standardized customs procedures across borders, and a lack of local financing options for SMEs in logistics. Roger Nkubito from AGL detailed their extensive pan-African logistics network covering 49 countries and 23 sea ports, emphasizing their role in creating vital trade corridors. M. Addy-Asare of Tallstack highlighted that his company, which focuses on software for talent management, is already exporting services globally and is actively hiring, underscoring the growth in African tech services. The discussion emphasized that solutions must be tailored to African realities, such as the need for financing models that accommodate 90-day payment cycles for farmers, rather than simply porting Western solutions. A key takeaway was the immense opportunity in developing localized logistics and digital solutions to support intra-African commerce and manage complex supply chains, particularly in high-demand sectors like mining materials and fast-moving consumer goods. ### Logistics Challenges - Intra-African trade is only 16% of total trade - Logistics infrastructure, customs, and regulatory fragmentation are major barriers - High costs and fragmentation make efficient transport difficult. ### Solutions and Opportunities - Building integrated logistics platforms (like AGL's) and digital solutions (like those from Tallstack) are crucial for growth. ### Financing Gaps - SMEs need tailored financing, like asset financing backed by inventory, rather than relying on traditional cash advances or being unable to finance short-term working capital. ### Technology's Role - Digitalization of customs and logistics processes, coupled with AI and automation, can streamline operations and improve visibility across the supply chain. ### Market Reality - There is a large, growing market for African-made goods and a demographic shift indicating a massive future consumer base, making investment in local capacity essential. ![Screenshot at 00:17: The panel is introduced, with the moderator calling for applause for the last panelist to join.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/6N7tjMMark0/00-00-17.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:54: A speaker uses hand gestures while discussing trade statistics between Africa, Europe, and Asia.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/6N7tjMMark0/00-00-54.jpg) ![Screenshot at 02:13: Dudu introduces himself as the CEO/co-founder of Pubs, detailing their goal to build logistics infrastructure with two pillars: education and technology.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/6N7tjMMark0/00-02-13.jpg) ![Screenshot at 04:55: Roger Koboto explains that AGL is the only integrated logistics company on the continent, operating across 49 countries.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/6N7tjMMark0/00-04-55.jpg) ![Screenshot at 10:16: Michelle Adidore discusses her company, Jetstream, which focuses on logistics and finance for SMEs, highlighting the high risk/low visibility in the supply chain.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/6N7tjMMark0/00-10-16.jpg)