Nigerian a multi-product logistics startup MVXchange that specialises in matching vessel to businesses via its with Offshore Support Vessels( OSVs) has partnered with a Japanese based technology company to streamline trade links between these two countries.
The startup was launched in 2019, has onboarded several companies in Africa and predominately in West Africa by conveniently helping its clients match vessels to their businesses.
In the past, Japanese logistics firms have often deal with shipment distribution to sea or airports in Nigeria as well as West Africa. From there custom made clearance and shipments distribution from the ports are entrusted to regional Nigerian companies. Considering that the African companies buying these Japanese goods are often medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it is often of a burden for them to carry out important customs clearance procedures due to lack of manpower
This major issue has now been solved by MVXchange linking the API of its MVXtransit service, which enables digital cargo management, delivery and customs clearance procedures for local logistics in Africa with the DiGiTRAD API
“The API integration has already been completed. As a first step, we will start operating this service in Nigeria. By the end of the fiscal year 2021, we plan to expand this service not only to Nigeria but also to other West African countries,” the two companies said.
“We will jointly aim to realise a service that allows both buyers and sellers to trade safely, securely, and easily.”
With this said, Kepple general partner Satoshi Shinada said there were still very few examples of collaboration between Japanese startups and African startups, something his company was keen to encourage
