CCI launches ₹106 Cr logistics plan to reinforce Africa trade links

CCI Worldwide Logistics, the international freight forwarding arm of CCI Group, has announced the launch of its flagship service, ‘Trans Africa’, aimed at overhauling cross-border logistics across the African continent. With an initial investment of ₹106 crore, the initiative is expected to enhance intra-African trade by tackling key logistical bottlenecks and delivering a technology-first freight solution.

The ‘Trans Africa’ service is expected to handle an annual volume of 5,000 TEUs via air and sea transport and is projected to yield a 15% return on investment. The company has identified Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Egypt as the first-phase target markets, with rapid expansion planned into Francophone West Africa, Central Africa, and landlocked countries such as Uganda and Zambia.

The timing of the launch aligns with broader efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to build a $3.4 trillion single market. Intra-African trade remains limited—making up just 16% of total African exports—and CCI sees this as a major opportunity to drive growth by offering an integrated logistics solution that addresses the continent’s complex and fragmented infrastructure landscape.

According to CCI Worldwide, the ‘Trans Africa’ platform is designed to support key commodity movements, including pulses, auto spare parts, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles. The company has developed a unified platform that connects shippers, transporters, and customs authorities across South, West, and East Africa. From port operations to final mile delivery, the solution integrates multiple modes of transport—ocean, air, road, and rail—and offers real-time shipment visibility.

The digital backbone of the platform includes AI-based smart routing, automated carrier matching, and real-time tracking. CCI has developed localized customs clearance modules for over 20 African countries and integrated the system with national customs portals to reduce paperwork, delays, and compliance hurdles. Its mobile-first interface ensures accessibility even in low-bandwidth regions, extending its utility to underserved geographies.

Trans Africa’s service model is built around performance metrics and transparent pricing to foster greater accountability across the logistics value chain. CCI has also built strategic alliances with port authorities, regional trade blocs, and customs agencies to ensure operational continuity and regulatory compliance.

Satish Singh, Vice President – P&L at CCI Worldwide Logistics, described the initiative as a transformational step in the company’s Africa strategy. He noted that Trans Africa is not just a service launch but a long-term commitment to building scalable, efficient, and digitally enabled freight corridors across the continent. Singh added that the service is positioned to benefit a wide array of stakeholders—including exporters, freight forwarders, e-commerce companies, and NGOs—who are seeking dependable, end-to-end logistics partnerships.

With a 48-year history in logistics, CCI Group has built a robust network across 105 countries and 48 Indian cities. The group operates more than 1,200 vehicles, manages over 7 million sq. ft. of warehousing space in India, and has a presence at over 20 Indian ports and airports. The launch of Trans Africa marks its latest step in creating resilient global trade networks, with Africa at the center of its expansion blueprint.

This story was originally published on Logistics Update Africa.